The main Characteristics of matter Are associated with its physical constitution and the different properties that it has.
Matter is all that object, substance or element that occupies a place in space and has a certain mass. Everything around us can be considered matter .
The matter Is made up of other smaller elements: molecules and atoms.
The configuration of atoms is what determines their state: as long as the atoms are closer and more rigid, matter will be more solid; And if the atoms are distended and do not exert much force with each other, the matter will be more gaseous.
Depending on the state in which we are present, matter may have specific peculiarities.
10 most relevant characteristics of the subject
1- Three main states: solid, liquid and gaseous
Matter can be presented mainly in three states, and each has very particular characteristics.
First is the solid state, which has a specific and constant volume. In solid materials, the atoms that form it generate a hardened structure resistant to external forces. An example of solid matter may be a piece of wood.
Second is the liquid state of matter. The union of its atoms is more flexible, which allows it to be an element without any rigidity. Given this fluidity, the liquid matter adapts to the context in which it is found. Water is the clearest example of a liquid matter.
Third is the matter in the gaseous state. In this state, matter has no definite shape since its atoms are far apart from each other and have no strong attraction between themselves, allowing it to float in space. Oxygen is a matter in the gaseous state.
There are two other less common states of matter: superfluid and supersolid.
The superfluid state of matter corresponds to the total absence of viscosity, which eliminates friction and allows matter to flow infinitely if it is placed in a closed circuit. The supersolid state corresponds to matter that is solid and liquid at the same time.
It is believed that helium can be the possessor of these five states of matter: solid, liquid, gaseous, superfluid and supersolid.
2- Mass
The mass is associated with the amount of matter located in the same volume. That is, how many elements there are in a given body.
The mass will always be the same, regardless of where the object is located. The standard unit of mass is the gram.
3- Weight
The weight has to do with the impact of the force of gravity on a specific object. That is, it is the force of attraction that the Earth executes on a body. The unit of measure of the weight is the Newton.
4- Volume
The volume is related to the space occupied by bodies or objects. The default volume unit is milliliter.
5- Density
Density is the relationship between mass and volume of an object: by combining mass and volume coexisting in the same body, it is possible to find the specific amount of mass that is in a volume.
The density is usually high in the solids, to measure less in the liquids, much less in the gaseous matters.
6- Homogeneous or heterogeneous
Matter is divided into two groups: homogeneous or heterogeneous. In homogeneous matter, it is not possible to identify the elements that make it up to the naked eye (sometimes using a microscope).
On the other hand, the heterogeneous material allows to easily visualize the elements of which it is composed.
An example of homogeneous matter could be air; And an example of heterogeneous matter may be the mixing of water with oil.
7- Temperature
This feature has to do with the amount of heat or cold that is perceived in a particular body.
Between two objects with different temperatures a heat transfer occurs, and the hotter body will transmit energy to the colder body. For example, when lighting a campfire and bring cold hands to it, the latter will be heated by the action of fire.
When both objects have the same temperature, heat transfer is not generated. For example, when you have two ice cubes next to each other, they both maintain the same temperature.
8- Impenetrability
This feature is related to the fact that each object in space occupies a specific place, and two bodies can not occupy the same space at the same time.
If two objects try to be placed in the same space, one of them will be moved. For example, if an ice cube is placed inside a glass with water, the water will raise its level slightly; That is, it will be displaced by the ice cube.
9- Inertia
Matter itself maintains its state of rest unless an external force causes it to be modified. That is, objects can not move or move by themselves; If they do, it is due to the action of a force coming from the outside.
For example, a car can not start on its own; Once the whole machine is turned on and turned on, the car is able to move. The greater the mass of the object, the greater its inertia.
10- Divisibility
All matter is capable of being divided into smaller pieces. These divisions may be so small that there is even talk of separating into molecules and atoms. That is, it is possible to divide a body many times.
11- Compressibility
This characteristic indicates that the material is able to reduce its volume when subjected to a determined pressure at a constant temperature.
For example, if a pot is thrown, it occupies a certain space; If the earth is pressed hard, it will be compressed and more earth may be thrown into the vessel.
References
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