Matter

Everything that has weight or mass and takes up space is called matter. Matter is the "stuff" in our world. Reach out and touch the nearest piece of furniture. That is matter. So are the clothes you are wearing, your hair on your head, and the air you are breathing. When we learn about matter, we are learning about chemistry. Matter can be broken down into the very smallest pieces to learn what it is made of.

Let's take a look..

Atoms

All matter is made of small particles known as atoms. They are what make up the air, the water, our bodies, food, trees, cars, even the computer you are viewing this web site from. Atoms are so small that you can not see them. But, in the period at the end of this sentence, there could be more than 4 billion, billion atoms. Atoms are made of three particles known at protons, neutrons and electrons. The protons and the neutrons huddle together to make the nucleus. The electrons orbit around the nucleus.

Things that Matter, Madam!
by Cherry Carl

Feathers and felines and fancy futons,
Carrots and cars and crunchy croutons,
Wigs and wagons and wiggly wontons,
Kites and kids and even krypton!
These are just a selected few
Of the things that matter to me and to you.
Each thing in the world is made of atoms,
But, tell me, madam, what's in an atom?
Electrons and protons and neutrons, too,
Are parts of an atom, and part of you!

This poem was written especially for Dialogue4Kids - courtesy of Cherry Carl. For additional poems on science, history, language, and holidays visit her website at: Carl's Corner

Physical Properties

Atoms of an object help give it the physical properties that we us to describe what we see. When we talk about how much an object weighs, what color it is, how big it is, what it feels like, and what its temperature is, we are speaking of the physical properties of an object.

Chemical Properties

Atoms also create the chemical properties of an object. But this is something we can only understand at the smallest level - thinking like the atom itself. Chemical properties are identified by an object's ability to change given the right conditions. The ability for an object to ignite, for example, is a chemical property.

Physical Changes

Matter can change. A physical change would happen when we cut a piece of paper into two chunks. It is still paper, just a different size. We could change the temperature of a glass of water, paint a wall a different color or tie a shoelace in a knot. It would still be a glass of water, a wall or a shoelace. Physical changes only change the way that matter looks, feels, or its temperature. A physical change does not change the chemical makeup of the object.

Chemical Changes

Chemical changes happen when we make changes to the matter at the chemical level. The most obvious evidence that a chemical change has taken place is found when heat, light, bubbles, fizzing, flames, or gases are given off. A permanent change to its color will often occur. When you strike a match, for example, there is a sound of fizzing, there is heat, and a strong smell as the gases are given off. Then you know that a chemical change has happened. You actually created a new chemical. Sometimes a chemical change happens in a slow reaction. Like rust. Rust happens over a long period of time when iron is exposed to oxygen. But rust is a new chemical.

It isn't the iron and it isn't the oxygen - it is rust.

Elements

As far as scientists know, everything in the universe is made from a little over 100 elements. Elements make up the basic ingredients that we call matter. An element is made from only one type of atom. Some matter is made from just one element. Oxygen is one of the basic elements and is made of oxygen atoms.

The Periodic Table of Elements is used to organize the elements for easy identification and by their atomic weight. Most elements occur naturally in the universe but a few have been created by scientists in laboratories.

Compounds

Although a few things in our world are made of just one element, such as oxygen, carbon, or gold, many are a combination of two or more elements. Water is made of two elements chemically bound together. When elements are chemically bound together, they are known as a compound. There are 2 atoms of hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen in water. We call it H₂0. A compound is written in such a way as to allow us to identify the chemical recipe. We call this a formula.

H₂0 shows us that there are 2 atoms of hydrogen for every 1 atom of oxygen.

States of Matter

Matter can exist on earth in a solid, a liquid or a gas form. Water is a solid as ice, a liquid when we drink it, and a gas when it is steam.

Visit Dialogue4kids "States of Matter" to find out more about states of matter.

Accidental Chemicals

Did you know that the glue used in Post-it brand notepads was an accident? So was the fabric protectant known as Scotchgard. This product was accidently spilled on a lab assistant's shoe and when it was discovered that no dirt would stick to that spot, a new product was born. Both chemicals were invented in a laboratory at 3M. But they were not originally intended for the application they ended up being used for. New products in your grocery store are often the result of chemistry. Although, not all of them are accidents.

Acids and Bases

Some chemicals can be very powerful. Because of this, CHEMICALS SHOULD NEVER BE TASTED WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION.

Acids are sour and can be strong enough to corrode through metals. Some acids we can eat such as lemon juice or vinegar. Other acids are used in batteries to make them run. Those types of acids are DANGEROUS and should be handled only by people specially trained to work with them.

Bases are the opposite of acids and taste bitter. Soap is a common base found around the house. If you have ever accidently gotten shampoo in your mouth while washing your hair, you have experienced its bitter taste. Many bases are very harmful because they can destroy cells.

Reminder: CHEMICALS SHOULD NEVER BE TASTED WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION.

PH test

To determine if a chemical is an acid or a base, chemists can test them using special paper. This paper is known as litmus paper and it will change color when exposed to chemicals. This is known as testing the PH. By comparing the color of the changed paper, chemists can identify the acid or base.

Tummy Troubles

Sometimes people use an "antacid" to solve their stomach upset. An antacid is a base which when dissolved in the stomach acid neutralizes the acid and takes away its acidy qualities. The acid no longer bothers the person's stomach and they feel better. Chemistry at work in our lives.

More to Learn

The study of matter and its changes is the science of chemistry. There is so much more to study and to know about chemistry. Scientists are learning more and more about chemistry each day. Chemistry allows scientists to create medicines to keep us well. Chemistry is responsible for turning used milk jugs into carpet for homes and schools. Chemistry allows scientists to determine what planets and stars are made out of, even from millions of miles away. Chemical changes happen even inside our bodies to allow digestion and other amazing processes. Keep learning about chemistry and you might be the future scientist who finds a way to power cars using the air we breathe.