Matter Properties and States: Solids, Liquids, Gases, Plasma

Characteristics of Matter

Matter has mass; that is, when placed on a scale, it creates an imbalance. Matter is impenetrable, as two bodies cannot occupy the same space simultaneously. Matter occupies a space, meaning it has volume. The common component is called matter. Bodies are a limited portion of matter, distinguished by features such as color, texture, smell, etc. Each particular kind of matter is a substance, such as sulfur, cotton, or sugar.

Intensive Properties

Intensive properties do not depend on the amount or form of the substance. Examples include:

• Chemical composition
• Vapor pressure
• Density
• Effusion point
• Fragrance
• Taste

Extensive Properties

Extensive properties directly depend on the amount of substance. Examples include:

• Mass
• Volume
• Smell
• Surface
• Height
• Weight

States of Matter

Solid State

Solids have a defined shape and volume. Their molecules are distributed orderly in all directions, and the force of attraction is so intense that it gives them a defined stiffness, shape, and volume.

Liquid State

Liquids have no shape of their own, although they do have volume. They take the shape of the container that holds them, and when at rest, they present a horizontal free surface. Their molecules are distributed haphazardly, and the forces of repulsion and attraction are in equilibrium.

Gaseous State

Gases have no shape or volume of their own. They fit the shape of the container that contains them. The repulsion force predominates, and they are easily compressed and expanded.

Plasma State

Plasma is generally a gaseous state in which a few atoms or molecules are dissociated as ions. Most of the universe consists of plasma, including lightning.

Superfluid State

Superfluids are characterized by the total absence of viscosity. Observed in gases at temperatures of 270 degrees below zero, they can flow without friction and even climb walls.

Changes of State

• Liquid-Gas: Steaming or boiling
• Gas-Liquid: Liquefaction (gas) or condensation (vapor)
• Liquid-Solid: Solidification
• Solid-Liquid: Fusion
• Solid-Gas: Volatilization
• Gas-Solid: Sublimation

Types of Systems

Homogeneous System

Homogeneous systems have the same intensive properties at all points and are characterized by continuity when viewed with the naked eye or a microscope. There are two types:

1. Pure Substance: A system from which it is impossible to obtain other substances by fractionation methods.
2. Solutions: Systems that can be split into simpler components through distillation or crystallization. Their components are pure substances.

Heterogeneous System

Heterogeneous systems have different intensive properties in at least two points.