Question

1. define matter. why is it hard to completely define it?
2. contrast pure substances and mixtures.
3. what main factor determines a material’s state of matter? how does it affect the particles of a substance?
4. what are the differences in the motions and arrangements of particles in solids and liquids? between liquids and vapor?
5. how is the plasma state of a substance different from the gas of the same substance?
6. name the change of state for each of the following:

a. water vapor becomes liquid water droplets.
b. molten steel hardens.
c. on a cold, clear night, ice forms on the windshield of your family car.
d. a block of dry ice slowly disappears.
e. a beaker of liquid oxygen bubbles and forms oxygen gas.

1. name three ways to measure matter.

Explanation:

Question 1

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It's hard to completely define because matter exists in diverse forms (like subatomic particles, dark matter which is not fully understood yet) and new discoveries keep challenging simple definitions.

Pure substances have a fixed composition (elements or compounds, e.g., gold, H₂O) with uniform properties. Mixtures have variable composition (combinations of substances, e.g., air, salt - water), and their properties depend on components.

Temperature (and pressure, but temperature is main) determines state. Higher temp increases particle kinetic energy: in solids, particles vibrate in place; in liquids, move more freely; in gases, move rapidly and randomly. Lower temp decreases kinetic energy, reducing particle motion.

Answer:

Matter: Anything with mass and volume. Hard to define fully due to diverse forms (e.g., subatomic, dark matter) and evolving scientific understanding.

Question 2