6 min read
Mathew Wahome
States of Matter
What is matter?
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Stones, water and air are all matter. The KICD Grade 6 Science and Technology curriculum teaches the three states of matter and how they change.
Solids
- Have a fixed shape and volume.
- Particles are packed tightly.
- Examples: stone, wood, ice.
Liquids
- Have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container.
- Particles slide over each other.
- Examples: water, milk, cooking oil.
Gases
- Have no fixed shape or volume.
- Particles move freely and spread out.
- Examples: air, oxygen, steam.
Changes of state
| Change | From to | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Melting | solid to liquid | heating |
| Freezing | liquid to solid | cooling |
| Evaporation | liquid to gas | heating |
| Condensation | gas to liquid | cooling |
Everyday examples
- Ghee melts on a hot sufuria.
- Clothes dry as water evaporates in the sun.
- Water droplets form on a cold glass because of condensation.
- Salt is obtained at the coast by evaporating sea water.
The water cycle
Water evaporates from lakes and oceans, condenses into clouds and falls as rain.
Try it
- Put an ice cube in a cup and watch it melt.
- List three solids, liquids and gases in your classroom.
- Explain why wet clothes dry faster on a sunny day.