Meaning, Characteristics and States of Matter for JSS 1

Matter-Basic Concepts

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of matter;
2. identify examples of matter;
3. list the three states of matter;
4. describe different states of matter and changes in state;
5. classify matter into living and non-living matter;
6. list the distinguishing characteristics of living and non-living things.

Meaning and Characteristics of Matter

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.

This definition means that everything physical around the environment is made of matter. To understand this concept fully, two key characteristics must be examined: mass and occupying space (volume).

Mass is the quantity of material or substance contained in an object. Every physical object contains a certain amount of material. For example, a large stone contains more material than a small pebble, meaning the stone has a greater mass. Mass is measured in kilograms or grams using a weighing balance.

Occupying space means that an object takes up a three-dimensional area, which is also known as volume. When an object is placed in a container or on a table, it fills a specific portion of space, preventing other objects from occupying that exact same space at the same time. For example, when water is poured into a cup, the water occupies the space inside the cup.

Examples of Matter

Since matter is defined by having mass and occupying space, almost everything that can be seen, touched, or felt in the environment is an example of matter.

Common examples of matter found in the home, school, and community include:

1. Stones and rocks
2. Water, kerosene, and palm oil
3. Air, smoke, and wind
4. Wooden desks, chairs, and books
5. Plants, such as grass, maize plants, and hibiscus flowers
6. Animals, such as goats, dogs, insects, and birds
7. Plastic buckets, metal spoons, and glass cups

Non-examples of matter also exist. Things that do not have mass and do not occupy space are not classified as matter. Examples of non-matter include light, heat, sound, electricity, and thoughts or ideas. These are forms of energy or mental concepts, not physical substances.

The Three States of Matter

Matter exists in different physical forms depending on how the tiny particles inside the matter are arranged and how they move. These physical forms are known as the states of matter.

The three primary states of matter are:

1. Solids
2. Liquids
3. Gases

Solids

A solid is a state of matter that has a definite shape and a definite volume.

The particles in a solid are packed very closely together in a fixed, orderly pattern. Because the particles are held together by strong forces of attraction, they cannot move freely from place to place; they can only vibrate in their fixed positions. This rigid arrangement prevents solids from flowing or changing shape easily. Examples of solids include stones, wood, iron nails, ice, and school desks.

Liquids

A liquid is a state of matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape.

A liquid takes the shape of the container into which it is poured. The particles in a liquid are close together, but they are not arranged in a rigid pattern. The forces holding them together are weaker than those in solids, allowing the particles to slide past one another and move around. This mobility allows liquids to flow easily. Examples of liquids include water, palm oil, kerosene, milk, and liquid soap.

Gases

A gas is a state of matter that has no definite shape and no definite volume.

A gas expands to completely fill whatever container it is placed in. The particles in a gas are very far apart from one another and move rapidly in all directions. The forces of attraction between gas particles are extremely weak, which allows them to spread out and fill any available space. Gases can also be easily compressed into smaller spaces. Examples of gases include oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, steam (water vapour), and cooking gas.

Changes in State of Matter

Matter can change from one state to another when energy, usually in the form of heat, is added or removed. Heating increases the movement of particles, while cooling decreases their movement. These transitions are physical changes because the chemical nature of the substance remains the same.

The primary processes involved in the changes of state are:

1. Melting: This is the process where a solid changes into a liquid when heat is applied. For example, solid ice melts into liquid water when left at room temperature.
2. Freezing (Solidification): This is the process where a liquid changes into a solid when heat is removed (cooling). For example, liquid water turns into solid ice when placed inside a freezer.
3. Evaporation (Vaporisation): This is the process where a liquid changes into a gas when heated. For example, when water is boiled on a stove, it turns into steam or water vapour.
4. Condensation: This is the process where a gas changes into a liquid when cooled. For example, water vapour in the air cools down and turns into liquid water droplets on the outside of a cold bottle of water.
5. Sublimation: This is the process where a solid changes directly into a gas without first becoming a liquid. A common example is camphor (mothballs) placed in a wardrobe, which slowly shrinks and disappears as it turns directly into gas.

Living and Non-Living Matter

All matter in the environment can be broadly classified into two main groups: living matter and non-living matter.

Living Matter

Living matter consists of things that have life and can perform vital life processes.

These are also referred to as living things or organisms. Living matter includes all plants and animals, ranging from tiny microscopic bacteria to large trees and elephants.

Non-Living Matter

Non-living matter consists of things that do not have life and cannot perform life processes.

These things do not grow, feed, reproduce, or die. Non-living matter includes natural objects like rocks, soil, and water, as well as man-made objects like plastic buckets, cars, and books.

Characteristics of Living Things

Living things possess specific characteristics that distinguish them from non-living things. These characteristics can be remembered using the acronym MR NIGER D.

The distinguishing characteristics of living things are:

1. Movement (M): The ability of an organism to change its position or move its body parts. Animals can move their entire bodies from one place to another (locomotion) to find food or escape danger. Plants do not move from place to place, but they show movement by bending their shoots towards sunlight or spreading their roots towards water.
2. Respiration (R): The chemical process by which living cells break down food substances to release energy. This energy is required for all other life activities. Most organisms use oxygen from the air for respiration.
3. Nutrition (N): The process of obtaining and using food. Living things need food to obtain energy, grow, and stay healthy. Green plants manufacture their own food through photosynthesis, while animals must feed on plants or other animals.
4. Irritability or Sensitivity (I): The ability of living things to detect and respond to changes in their environment (stimuli). For example, a person quickly pulls their hand away from a hot object, and a mimosa plant folds its leaves when touched.
5. Growth (G): A permanent increase in the size, weight, and complexity of an organism over time. Living things grow by using the nutrients obtained from food to build new cells.
6. Excretion (E): The removal of poisonous waste products produced during body activities. Examples of waste products excreted by animals include sweat, urine, and carbon dioxide. Plants excrete waste products like oxygen and water vapour through their leaves.
7. Reproduction (R): The ability of living organisms to produce new individuals of their own kind. This process ensures the continuation of life and prevents the species from dying out. Animals lay eggs or give birth to young ones, while plants produce seeds or spores.
8. Death (D): The permanent cessation of all life processes. Every living thing has a limited lifespan, after which it dies and ceases to function.

Differences Between Living and Non-Living Matter

The differences between living and non-living matter are based on the presence or absence of the life processes described by MR NIGER D.

The table below outlines the key differences:

How to Classify Things in the Environment

Classifying things involves grouping them based on shared characteristics. This practical activity helps to identify and sort objects in the immediate environment into living and non-living matter, and further group them by their physical state.

The required materials for this activity are:

1. A notebook
2. A pen or pencil
3. A ruler

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Walk around the classroom, school compound, or home garden.
2. Observe at least ten different objects or substances in the surroundings.
3. Draw a classification table in the notebook with four columns: Object Name, Living or Non-Living, State of Matter (Solid/Liquid/Gas), and Reason for Classification.
4. Record each observed object in the table.
5. Determine whether each object is living or non-living by checking if it performs the MR NIGER D processes.
6. Identify the state of matter for each object based on its shape and volume.
7. Write down the reason for the classification in the final column.