Fundamental properties of Matter Explained for a 5 year old

 

Properties of Matter

Properties of matter refer to the characteristics and behavior exhibited by substances due to their composition, Structure, and interactions at the atomic and molecular level. Here are some fundamental properties of matter :

Mass : In simple words, Mass is the amount of matter in an object. It is one of the fundamental quantities in physics and one of the most basic property of matter. The SI unit of Mass is kilograms (kg). The mass of a body does not change unless new force or energy is exerted or given respectively. The Mass is different from the Weight of an object. Weight is the force of gravity on an object !

Volume : Volume is the amount of  space occupied by an object or substance and is usually measured in cubic meters or cubic centimeters. The volume of an object is the product of its Length, Breadth and Height. Among all the shapes sphere has the largest volume. In states of matter "gaseous" substance hold the place for largest volume.

Density : Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance and is calculated as mass divided by volume. It is often expressed in kilogram per cubic meter. A neutron star is considered to be the most densest object in the universe having 10 times more mass than the sun! and on Earth  Osmium  is the densest naturally occurring element. 

States of matter : Matter can exist in three primary states: Solid, Liquid, Gas along with this there are plasma and Bose-Einstein condensate which are the fourth and fifth state of matter respectively. Lightning  is in plasma state. There are also other state of matter used for laboratorial uses.

Melting point : Melting point of a substance is the temperature at which a substance transitions to a liquid state. It is applicable to solid substances. the melting of ice is zero degree Celsius.

Boiling point : The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which a substance boils and turns into gaseous state. It is applicable to liquids. The boiling point of water is at hundred degree Celsius. The element having lowest boiling point is helium and the element having the highest boiling point is tungsten.

Freezing point : It is the Temperature at which a substance changes into solid or freezes. It is applicable to liquids. The freezing point of water is zero degree Celsius. The melting point of ice and freezing point of water is zero degree!

Thermal Conductivity : Thermal conductivity is the measure of a substance's ability to conduct heat. The substances having high thermal conductivity transfer heat more efficiently than those with low thermal conductivity. Diamond is the best conductor of heat therefore having the highest thermal conductivity.

Electrical conductivity : In simple words, Electrical conductivity represent a substances ability to conduct electricity. Based on their conductivity properties they have been classified into conductors, semiconductors and insulators. Metals are conductor. Silver is the best electrical conductor among all other metals. Semiconductors are used extensively in electronics to make processors and other parts. Insulators do not conduct electricity.