Properties Of Matter Notes, Quizzes & Revision
๐ Revision Notes โข ๐ Quizzes โข ๐ Past Papers available in app
Science & Technology โ Matter
Subtopic: Properties of Matter
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Everything you see (and some things you can't see, like air) is made of matter. Below are the important properties of matter explained simply for learners aged 11 in Kenya.
How heavy an object is. Measured with a balance in grams (g) or kilograms (kg). Example: a mango has mass.
How much space something takes. Measured in litres (L) or cubic centimetres (cmยณ). Example: a bottle of maji has volume.
Mass per unit volume. If something is heavy for its size, it is dense. Example: a stone is denser than a piece of wood.
The three common states are: solid, liquid and gas. They differ by shape, volume and how their particles are arranged.
- Hardness: How difficult it is to scratch or break. Example: a stone is harder than chalk.
- Elasticity: Ability to return to original shape after stretching (like a rubber band).
- Solubility: How well a substance dissolves in a liquid. Sugar dissolves in warm tea (safi).
- Conductivity: How well a material lets heat or electricity pass. Metal spoons conduct heat; plastic does not.
- Viscosity: How thick a liquid is. Honey is more viscous than water.
- Compressibility: How much a substance can be squashed. Gases compress a lot; solids very little.
- Density test โ Egg in salt water: Put an egg in plain water (it sinks). Add salt and stir โ the egg may float. Why? Salt water is denser.
- Volume by displacement: Put a measuring cup of water and drop a small stone in โ the water level rises. The rise shows the stone's volume.
- Stretch test for elasticity: Pull a rubber band gently and let go โ it returns to its shape. Try the same with a plastic strip โ it may not return.
- Viscosity comparison: Pour water and honey on a plate and watch which flows faster. Water is less viscous.
Mass โ how heavy; Volume โ space it takes; Density โ mass รท volume (heavy for size); Solubility โ dissolving; Elasticity โ returns to shape.
- What are the three common states of matter?
- Give one example of a material that is a good conductor.
- Which is more viscous, cooking oil or water?
Show answers
- Solid, liquid and gas.
- Metal (e.g., copper spoon) is a good conductor.
- Cooking oil is more viscous than water.
Use local, safe materials: water (maji), sugar (sukari), cooking oil, stones, rubber bands, and eggs. Always supervise experiments that use heat or breakable items.