The Nature of MatterBenchmarkSC.A.1.2.1

The student determines that the properties of materials (e.g., density and volume) can be compared and measured (e.g., using rulers, balances, and thermometers).

Content Limits:Items may require the student to understand how balances, graduated cylinders, rulers, and thermometers are used to describe properties of materials.

Items will NOT require the student to calculate density or volume.

Properties of Matter

Density

Density is the amount of matter in an object compared to the space it takes up.

Density is measured in grams.

Volume

Volume is the amount of space that matter takes up.

Volume is measured in liters.

How to Find the Density of an Object

• First measure its mass and its volume.

• Divide the mass by the volume to find the object’s density.

Mathematical formula:density = mass or d = m volume v

How to find Volume

Liquid• Use a graduated cylinder

(plastic or glass).• Pour the liquid into the

graduated cylinder.• Move your head so that the top

of the liquid in the cylinder is at eye level.

• Look for the meniscus, the curved surface of the liquid. Holding a sheet of white paper behind the cylinder may make the meniscus easier to see.

• A water meniscus is about as thick as a nickel. Read the volume at the bottom of the meniscus.

Rectangular solid or box• Another way to describe volume

is to take a length unit and make a cube. A centimeter ruler is used to measure the object.

• The cubic centimeter (cm³ or cc) is the common unit of volume.

• The volume of the box equals its length times its width times its height.

• Mathematical formula: Volume = length x width x height

OrV = l x w x h

How to Find the Volume of an

Irregularly Shaped Solid•You can use the displacement of water to find the volume of an object that does not have a regular shape. (the object must sink when place in the water)

•Partly fill a graduated cylinder with water and record the volume of the water.

•Gently lower the object you want to measure into the water. This makes the water rise. Record the volume at the new water level.

•Subtract your first volume reading from your second volume reading.

•The difference in volume is equal to the volume of the object you are measuring.

Other Measurable Physical Properties of MatterMass

• Mass is the amount of matter something contains.

• Mass is measured in grams using a pan balance.

Temperature• The temperature of an

object is how hot or cold the object is.

• Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius using a thermometer.

Review

Complete in your Science Notebook:

Select a small object (e.g., eraser, coin, or rock) and identify all of its physical properties. Make sure you also include measureable properties such as mass, volume, or density.

* Remember to use the SI System of Measurement

Standard: The students knows that different materials are made by physically combining substances and that different objects can be made by combining different materials.

Content limits: Items will NOT use examples of chemical changes.

Harcourt: Chapter 1, Lesson 3

MatterMatter is everywhere. Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass.

States of matter: solid, liquid, and gas

Matter is constantly experiencing both chemical and physical changes.

Mixtures and SolutionsMixtures Solutions

Two or more substances that are combined without changing any of them.

They can be separated from each other again.

Examples: granola, salad, salt water

Type of mixture.Different kinds of matter

are mixed completely with each other.

Solubility – measure of how much of one material will dissolve in another.

Suspension – a mixture where one type of matter is floating in another.

Solutions are always types of mixtures, but mixtures are not always solutions!

Complete in your Science Notebook:

Name two mixtures you have eaten in the past week. Explain whether each is a simple mixture, a solution, or a suspension.