Nature and Characteristics of Matter: What is, Examples, Particles

Chemistry is part of the science which embraces the investigation of the components of materials, their characteristics and the forms of their organization, the transformations that the given material passes through under the influence of certain circumstances, and the principles of such transformations. Chemistry is a core discipline of science and is related to other sciences on many occasions. Thus, it also has a significant role in our everyday life. Matter and energy also known as substance is the total of all that exists in the universe. All substances which have mass and occupy space are known as matter.

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Importance of Chemistry And Nature of Matter

Chemistry deals with the composition, structure, and properties of matter. These aspects can be best described and understood in terms of basic constituents of matter: atoms and molecules. That is why chemistry is called the science of atoms and molecules.

Chemistry plays a central role in science and is often intertwined with other branches of science like physics, biology, geology, etc. Chemistry also plays an important role in daily life. Chemical principles are important in diverse areas, such as weather patterns, the functioning of the brain, and the operation of a computer. Chemical industries manufacturing fertilizers, alkalis, acids, salts, dyes, polymers, drugs, soaps, detergents, metals, alloys, and other inorganic and organic chemicals, including new materials, contribute in a big way to the national economy. Chemistry plays an important role in meeting human needs for food, healthcare products, and other materials aimed at improving the quality of life.

Anything which has mass and occupies some space is called matter. Based on shape, size, and volume, the matter can be classified into solids. liquids and gases.

1. Solids have definite volume and definite shape.

2. Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape. They take the shape of the container in which they are placed.

3. Gases have neither a definite volume nor a definite shape. They completely occupy the container in which they are placed.

These three states of matter are interconvertible by changing the conditions of temperature and pressure.

Solid $\underset{\text { cool }}{\stackrel{\text { heat }}{\rightleftharpoons}}$ liquid $\underset{\text { cool }}{\stackrel{\text { heat }}{\rightleftharpoons}}$ Gas

On heating, a solid usually changes to a liquid, and the liquid on further heating changes to the gaseous ( or vapour) state. In the reverse process, a gas on cooling liquifies to the liquid, and the liquid on further cooling freezes to the solid.

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Some Solved Examples

Example 1: Which of the following is known as dry ice?

1) Gaseous CO₂

2) Solid SiO₂

3) CH₄

4) Solid CO₂

Solution

Solid CO₂ is called as dry ice.

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Example 2: Which of the following exists as a solid at room temperature?

1)Cl₂

2)F₂

3) I₂

4) Br₂

Solution

F₂ and Cl₂ are gases, Br₂ is a liquid and I₂ exists as a solid at room temperature because of the difference in intermolecular forces that act on between individual molecules.

Iodine is present in solid form at room temperature, while chlorine is a gas at room temperature because of the difference in intermolecular forces that act between individual molecules.

Hence, the answer is an option (3).

Example 3:What is the state of water below 0^oC?

1) Solid

2) Liquid

3) Gas

4) Plasma

Solution

Water exists in three different forms i.e., solid, liquid, and gas. Below 0^oC, intermolecular hydrogen bonding is very strong between the different water molecules, thus water exists in solid form as ice.

Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Conclusion:

The material world around us consists of an enormous variety of substances. Man has been curious to know about his surroundings ever since he came into existence. Science has been helping man to systematize his knowledge to describe and understand nature. Chemistry industries manufacturing fertilizers, acids, alkalies, salts, dyes, and other organic and inorganic chemicals including new materials have improved our national economy.