Primal Pictures Ltd.

2014

CHEMISTRY

INTRODUCTION
The most basic level of organization found in the body is at the chemical level. The term matter is used to describe
objects that occupy space and have a discernible mass. All cells, tissues, and organs in the body are comprised of
matter, which is arranged in small organizational units known as atoms.
Matter exists in three major states: solid, liquid, and gas. A change in state occurs when matter transforms from one
state to another. When matter moves from a solid to liquid (melting), or from liquid to gas (evaporation/boiling), energy
is absorbed in the form of heat. When matter moves in the opposite direction, from gas to liquid (condensation), and
liquid to solid (freezing), energy is released in the form of heat.
Solids
Solids have atoms arranged in fixed positions with definite shape and volume. Of the three states of
matter, solids have the least amount of kinetic energy as the strong intermolecular forces between the
atoms prevents them from moving freely and instead they vibrate constantly.
Examples of solids include bone.
Liquids
Liquids have a constant volume but do not take a definite shape. Instead, they assume the shape of
their container. Liquids have more kinetic energy than solids as the intermolecular forces between the
atoms are weaker allowing them space for limited movement within the confines of their container.
Examples of liquids include blood plasma and water.
Gases
Gases do not have a definite shape or volume. Of the three states of matter, gases contain the highest
amount of kinetic energy. This is because the intermolecular forces between atoms are much weaker
and, therefore, the space between gaseous molecules is large allowing them to move freely.
Examples of gases include oxygen and nitrogen.