Exploring the States of Matter

This worksheet is designed to help you understand the states of matter and the processes involved in changing from one state to another. Use it while watching the video and for review afterwards.

Key Concepts

• States of matter
• Particle theory
• Melting point
• Boiling point
• Density

Vocabulary Section

Click on the terms to see their definitions:

• Inelastic - not able to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed
• Lattice structure - a regular, repeating arrangement of particles
• Melting point - the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid
• Boiling point - the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas
• Density - the amount of mass in a given volume

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What theory is used to explain the behavior of particles in each state?

Particle theory
Wave theory
Atomic theory
Quantum theory

2. What happens when a solid is heated?

It becomes harder
Its particles gain more energy
It changes into a gas
Its density increases

3. What is the process called when a liquid turns into a gas?

Melting
Freezing
Evaporation
Condensation

4. What happens to the density of a substance as it changes from a solid to a liquid to a gas?

It increases
It decreases
It stays the same
It first increases then decreases

5. What happens to the pressure of a gas when it is heated in a fixed container?

It decreases
It increases
It stays the same
It becomes zero

Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise

1. In solids, there are strong forces of __________ between the particles.

attraction repulsion gravity friction

2. When a solid reaches its __________ point, it turns into a liquid.

melting boiling freezing condensing

3. In liquids, the particles are arranged pretty __________.

randomly orderly compactly loosely

4. Gases do not keep a definite shape or __________.

volume density mass temperature

5. When a gas is cooled down, it will __________ into a liquid.

condense evaporate freeze melt

Short Answer Question

Explain why solids keep a definite shape and volume.

Submit

Reflection Question

Have you ever observed a substance changing from one state to another? Describe what you saw and how it relates to what you learned in the video.

Additional Resource

BBC Bitesize - States of Matter