WESTERN LEYTE COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

MODULE
in

Matter

Instructor: Elton Jhon M. Meridor

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General Chemistry I
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Names and Formulas of Some Common Inorganic Cations and Anions (Chang, 2010)

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MATTER

Objective
Distinguish various forms of matter and its properties
Overview
In this lesson, you will recognize that substances are made up of smaller particles in different
states, distinguish between physical, chemical, extensive and intensive properties, and methods of
separating its components.
Background
Classification of Matter
Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass. Figure 1 below shows how matter is being
classified.

Figure 1. Classification of matter (Chang, 2010)

Matter is divided into two classifications, mixtures and pure substances. Mixtures are
combinations of two or more substances in which its distinct identities is retain. It is either homogeneous
or heterogeneous. Homogeneous mixture shows the same composition (e.g. air, soft drinks, milk, and
cement) while heterogeneous mixtures does not (e. g. sand is mixed with iron filings). A substance is a
form of matter that has a definite composition and distinct properties. Substances can be either elements
or compounds. Compounds are made up of atoms of two or more elements chemically combined with
fixed proportions. A substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances by chemical means is
called elements. Figure 2 shows some common elements and their symbols.

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Figure 2. Common elements and their symbol

REACTION/QUESTION:

Activity
Identify the following as an element or a compound:
a. NH3 ________________________

b. N2 ________________________

c. S8 ________________________

d. NO ________________________

e. CO ________________________

f. CO2 ________________________

g. H2 ________________________

h. SO2 ________________________

States of Matter
Matter has three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Figure 3 shows how matter are arranged in
different states.

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Figure 3. States of matter in microscopic view (Chang, 2010)

The three states of matter can undergo changes. It can be interconverted without changing the
composition of the substance.

Figure 4. Changes of states (https://tinyurl.com/y8ypyfb3)

In the process of melting and with the presence of heat, solid will transform to liquid. The
reverse of the process is called freezing in which liquid is converted to solid. In changing solid to gas,
the process occurs is deposition and the opposite is sublimation, a gas is changed to solid. In liquid to
gas transition, condensation and boiling occur. Condensation is when gas is turned to liquid and boiling
if liquid is converted to gas.
REACTION/QUESTION:

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Properties of Matter
The properties of the substance are also identified in terms of composition and amount. The
properties of matter that are categorized in terms of composition are physical and chemical properties. A
property that can be observed and measured without alteration in its composition is called physical
property (e.g. boiling of water and melting of ice). Chemical property is a property that shows changes
in the composition of substance. Measurable properties of the substance are further classified into
intensive and extensive properties. Intensive property is independent with the amount of substance. This
means that regardless of how small or big the substance is the intensive property will not be affected.
Example to this is the density, water will have the same density even in different containers. Extensive
property is amount-dependent. The amount will affect the measurable property of the substance.
Example to this are mass and volume. If the amount of the substance is big, this will show a heavier
mass and larger volume.

REACTION/QUESTION:
Procedure:

Enrichment Activities
1. Which of the following diagrams represent elements and compounds? Answer on the space
provided

a. _________________
b. _________________
c. _________________
d. _________________
2. Give an example of a homogeneous mixture and an example of a heterogeneous mixture.
a. Homogeneous:
b. Heterogeneous:
3. The diagram in (a) shows a compound made up of atoms of two elements (represented by the
green and red spheres) in the liquid state. Which of the diagrams in (b) to (d) represent a physical
and chemical changes? Answer on the space provided

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b. _________________
c. _________________
d. _________________
4. Identify the following statements that describe chemical or physical changes? Answer on the
space provided

(a) Oxygen gas supports combustion. _______________

(b) Fertilizers help to increase agricultural production. _______________
(c) Water boils below 100°C on top of a mountain. _______________
(d) Lead is denser than aluminum. ______________
(e) Uranium is a radioactive element. ______________

General Chemistry I