Organization of Matter

Question 1

What are the four states of matter?

Answer 1

Solid, liquid, gas, plasma

These four states represent different arrangements and energy levels of particles. Solids have fixed shape and volume, liquids have fixed volume but take the shape of their container, gases expand to fill their container, and plasma is an ionized gas with unique electromagnetic properties.

Question 2

What type of bond involves electron sharing?

Answer 2

Covalent

Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons. This type of bonding is common in molecules like H2, O2, and organic compounds. Covalent bonds can be single, double, or triple, depending on the number of electron pairs shared.

Question 3

What’s a molecule composed of different elements called?

Answer 3

Compound

A compound is a pure substance made of two or more elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio. Examples include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and table salt (NaCl). Compounds have different properties from their constituent elements.

Question 4

What’s the smallest unit of an element?

Answer 4

Atom

An atom is the basic unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the element’s identity.

Question 5

What type of mixture is air?

Answer 5

Homogeneous

Air is a homogeneous mixture, meaning it has a uniform composition throughout. It primarily consists of nitrogen, oxygen, and small amounts of other gases. Homogeneous mixtures are also called solutions, regardless of the phase of matter.