Chapter 4-Physical Science Study Guide
Test Date: ___________________________
Know the meaning of the following terms:
1. atom- the smallest particle of an element that still has the properties of that element.
2. Chemical property- a characteristic of matter that can be observed only when matter is
changed into a new kind of matter.
3. density- how much matter is in a given space, volume.
4. mass-the amount of matter in an object.
5. matter-anything that has mass and takes up space.
6. metric system- a system of measurement that is based on multiples of 10.
7. molecule-two or more atoms joined together.
8. physical property-a characteristic of matter that can be observed by the senses without
changing matter into something new.
9. states of matter-three forms that matter usually takes, solid, liquid, and gas.
10. volume the amount of space that matter takes up.
11. weight- the measure of the pull of gravity on an object.
12. How are the molecules arranged in matter that is in the liquid state?
The molecules slide past each other but, they are close together.
13. How are the molecules arranged in matter that is in the gaseous state?
The molecules are moving rapidly and do not stay close together.
14. How are the molecules arranged in matter that is in a solid state?
The molecules are packed together in a regular pattern and vibrating back and forth.
15. What causes matter to change from one state to another? For example liquid water into
steam.
Changes in temperature
16. Complete this chart:
State of Matter Shape
Size
Solid
Definite Shape
Fixed Size
Liquid
No definite shape Fixed Size
Gas
No definite shape No fixed size
17. What are some examples of physical properties?
Color, shape, size, odor, and texture
18. What is most matter made of?
Molecules
19. What tool is used by scientists to measure an objects mass? What metric units are used?
Balance measures in grams or kilograms
20. What tools are used by scientist to measure the volume of an object?
Beaker, graduated cylinder, ruler.
21. How can you measure the volume of an irregular shaped object such as a rock?
Fill a beaker or graduated cylinder with water. Drop the rock in the water. Measure the
change in water volume. The difference is the volume of the rock.
22. How are mass and weight different?
Mass is constant, no matter where the object is the mass is the same. Weight depends upon the
amount of gravity, it can change as the objects location changes.
23. What does the physical property, Luster, mean?
How the surface of an object looks when light shines on it.
24. What does the physical property, density, mean?
How much matter is in a given space. You need to know the mass an volume of an object to
find its density.
25. What will a substance do if it is more dense that water?
It will sink.
26. What will a substance do if it is less dense than water?
It will float.
27. What are two examples of a chemical property?
The ability to burn or explode. The ability to rust/tarnish. The ability to change when heated.
The ability to change colors