Matter and the states of matter, as well as the particle model of matter, are 3 important concepts that explain the physical nature and behaviour of everything in the universe.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Since the beginning humans have been intrigued by the things in nature created by the Creator. The term they coined for such things in the course of history was matter,
It was believed that matter is the main and only constituent of everything in the universe. However, in the later stages of history as human knowledge progressed, and they learnt more about space along with the earth, they came to know that there is one more thing in nature that the Creator has bestowed them with and it is called energy.
So, the human progress that we witness today is all thanks to the understanding of matter and energy and their interaction. There are many great personalities since recorded history who have contributed to this knowledge and there might have been others we know nothing about,
1. What is Matter?
The first thing that naturally comes to mind is, “What matter is?” Well, matter can be defined as;
“The things in the observable universe with any of the characteristics like 1) has weight 2) occupy space 3) can flow.”
Now, if we look around us there would be hardly anything that does not suffice this. The food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and many other things that we use and/or consume daily are examples of matter. In fact you are a matter too.
So, matter is all around us and it just wants a little attention from you. So, can you look around you and tell us about five things that are “matter,” in the comment section below?
2. State of Matter
In the observable universe, there are 4 states of matter. These 4 states of matter include 3 fundamental states that are solid, liquid, and gas, and the 4th state plasma.
Other States of Matter
Besides these states of matter, there are many other states of matter that we know about. These other states can be categorised into two:
i. Intermediate states of Matter
ii. Exotic States of Matter
Let us see a brief difference between the intermediate states of matter and the exotic states of matter.
Intermediate States of Matter
The states of matter that lie in between the fundamental states of matter are called intermediate states of matter. These states are discovered by research and experimentation and thus prove the extent of our understanding of the states of matter.
The two renowned intermediate states of matter are:
a) Supercritical Fluids
b) Liquid Crystals
Here, we shall learn about the difference between these two states.
Supercritical Fluids
It is a highly compressed intermediate state of matter that exhibits characteristics of both liquids (such as densely packed particles) and gases (such as highly energetic molecules).
A supercritical fluid is a state of matter that occurs above the critical temperature and pressure of a substance.
Applications of Supercritical Fluids
Supercritical fluids are widely used in chemical reactions that cannot occur in conventional solvents. For instance, supercritical fluid CO₂ is used for decaffeinating coffee or/and dry cleaning.
Liquid Crystals
A liquid crystal is also an intermediate state of matter that has properties of both crystalline solids (such as ordered molecular structure) and liquids (such as fluidity).
This state is sensitive to temperature and electric fields which makes it useful in many modern technologies.
Applications of Liquid Crystals
Liquid crystals are commonly used in display technologies. For instance, LCD screens in;
- Clocks and Watches
- Computer Monitors
- Smartphones
- Televisions
Exotic States of Matter
Exotic states of matter are highly unusual forms of matter and are typically observed under extreme conditions. These states are under research and are deepening our understanding of the universe at the quantum level.
Example
These states of matter include;
- Bose-Einstein Condensates
- Fermionic Condensates
- Quantum Spin Liquid
- Quark-Gluon Plasma
- Nuclear Matter
Types of Matter
Based on the form, three types of matter are encountered in the universe and these include;
- Metals
- Metalloid
- Non-Metals
This classification is based on the appearance, structure, and physical/chemical properties of the substances. A comparison of these types is shown in the figure below.
3. Particle Model of Matter
So far we have discussed matter, its states, and its types. Now the question that surfaced is, “What makes the study of matter easier and more comprehensive in science?”
Well, one of the best tools that was developed throughout history is the particle model of matter. It is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry.
It describes the behaviour and properties of matter in terms of arrangement, motion, and interactions of its constituent particles i.e., atoms, molecules, and ions.
Key Terminologies
Before proceeding further into our main topic which is about the “fundamental states of matter“, let us understand three terminologies first:
Characteristics refer to defining attributes that distinguish each state from the others.
Structure denotes the organisation or arrangement of particles within each state of matter.
Properties signify the physical attributes that describe the behaviour of each state of matter.
Now, we can formally dive into the study of characteristics, properties, and structure of 4 states of matter, including 3 fundamental states of matter, i.e., solid, liquid, and gas; and the fourth state of matter, the plasma.
Conclusion
Today, we can exclaim that our understanding of matter and states of matter played a significant role in shaping the progress of civilisation. Not only have we gained a deeper insight into the “matter,” but also learned to manipulate it to fulfil our needs.
So, next time you wonder how we understand matter beyond what the naked eye can perceive, remember: it was the work of early generations that paved the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is matter and the states of matter?
Matter is everything around that has a mass, occupies volume, or can flow. The matter exists in different states in the universe. The 3 most fundamental states are solid, liquid, and gas. The fourth state of matter in the observable universe is plasma.
Note, solid is the most fundamental state of matter that we know of.
Why are supercritical fluids important?
Supercritical fluids are an excellent alternative to conventional solvents. They can carry reactions that cannot be carried out in conventional solvents. They have high density like liquids and high diffusivity like gases.
In which state does matter exist in the Sun?
The Sun is a star and primarily all the stars in the universe are composed of plasma. It is a superheated ionised state of matter that is composed of free electrons, ions, and atoms.
What is the importance of graphene?
Graphene is a single-atom-thick carbon layer. It shows remarkable strength and conductivity. Its unique properties have benefitted us in electronics and materials science.
Which form of matter do most of the material things in this world belong to?
Solid!
The majority of everyday material that we encounter is in the solid state. They maintain a definite shape and volume due to strong particle interactions. Thus solid state is the most common form of matter we directly experience.
What/How does a supercritical state look like?
Supercritical fluids are an intermediate state of matter. It appears between liquid and gas as a single phase. It can neither be called a liquid nor a gas. They can have liquid-like density and gas-like diffusivity. Their exact look depends on the substance and conditions.
In what way is plasma created in a fluorescent tube?
- A low-pressure gas is filled in a discharge tube with two electrodes
- An electric current flows through the low-pressure gas in the tube.
- Electric energy ionises the gas atoms in the tube, forming plasma.
- Excited atoms in the plasma then emit ultraviolet light.