Introduction to Matter and Energy

1. Introduction to Matter and Energy

2. Matter • What’s the matter? • Matter is anything made of atoms and molecules. • Matter has mass. What is mass? • Mass is the amount of stuff in an object. We typically refer to mass as weight (which is also a measure of gravity). In science, we measure mass in grams (milligrams, kilograms, etc.) • Matter can also have energy – or the ability to do work. Specifically, the atoms contain energy.

3. Atoms • Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. • An element is a collection of atoms that cannot be broken down into anything else.

4. States of Matter • Matter comes in 3 states • Solid • Liquid • Gas • These states are determined by the type of matter and the amount of energy that matter has.

5. Solid • Solids are usually the most dense state of matter (water is an exception to this since the solid, or ice, is less dense than the liquid). • The atoms and molecules of a solid are packed tightly together and contain the least amount of energy.

6. Liquid • Atoms in a liquid are not packed as tightly and are able to move around more easily. • Liquids can flow and change shape, which solids cannot.

7. Gas • Gases are the least dense of all matter states. • Atoms are not packed tightly and are free to move around. • Gases can fill most volumes and the atoms move around very quickly.

8. Building Matter • Atoms combine to make up molecules and compounds. • These molecules and compounds make up the basic units that make life possible – carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

9. Why learn about chemistry? • You could start really small...- Particles of matter- Atoms- Elements- Molecules- Macromolecules- Cell organelles- Cells- Tissues- Organs- Systems- Organisms- Populations- Ecosystems- Biospheres- Planets- Planetary Systems with Stars- Galaxies- The UniverseAnd finish really big. Wow. All of that is possible because of atoms.