Matter
Everything in this world (from the books we read to the water we drink and the air
we breathe) is made up of matter. Now what is this “matter” made of? Matter is made of
tiny microscopic particles called “atoms”. These “atoms” are themselves made up of tinier
subatomic particles called protons, neutrons and electrons. Matter is what molecules and
atoms are made of. The study of understanding matter and its components is a branch in
chemistry.
The origin of chemistry runs back hundreds and hundreds of years. Before anyone
knew about atoms, there lived people who were called alchemists. These alchemists tried
to find out what things were made of. They tried to turn metals such as lead into gold by
melting it. Most of the alchemists were women. The name for alchemy was “Opus
mulierum”, which means the “work of women” in Latin. Scientists believe that matter was
created in a great explosion called the “Big Bang”. Many different particles were created
after this explosion. Huge amounts of heat and energy were released during the explosion.
Then bundles of this heat and energy turned into tiny particles. These particles then
turned into atoms that make up the entire universe that we live in today.
To identify many subatomic particles scientists use bubble chambers. These bubble
chambers contain liquid hydrogen near its boiling point. The subatomic particles that
travel through this liquid hydrogen leave trails of bubbles behind them. Although these
particles are invisible, the trails that they leave behind can be seen. These trails look
different for each type of particle.
Matter can be divided into living matter and non-living matter. Earth is home to many
living things, including all kinds of plants and animals. Living matter can grow, reproduce
and move around. Non-living matter cannot grow, reproduce or move around. A good
example of this would be the earth that we live on. It is a big rock. Whether it is a rock, a
beetle, or a tiny bead, each is made up of matter.
Matter is usually in three forms: solids, liquids and gases. Take a soda can and open
it. The fizz that comes up is an example of gas, the cola inside is an example for liquid and
the can is an example of a solid. The atoms in the solids are tightly bound together. Thus
solids have a definite volume and shape. The atoms in the liquid are free flowing and not
too tightly bound. Thus the liquids have volume but no definite shape. The liquids are free
flowing and take the shape of the solids that hold them. The atoms in the gases are free
flowing and are loosely bound. Thus they have no definite volume or shape. Liquids and
gasses are called fluids.
The fourth state of matter is called plasma. It only exists at very high temperatures
inside the Sun and other stars, or on Earth at very low pressure. It consists of atoms split
up by great amounts of heat or electricity. The particles that result from the split of atoms
are called ions and electrons.
1. What are the three subatomic particles that make up the atom?
Matter, atoms and particles
Ions, atoms and protons
Protons, neutrons and electrons
Ions, electrons and atoms
2. What is the purpose of this article?
To entertain
To persuade
To give advice
To inform
3. According to the article, how do scientists identify the subatomic particles?
By using the liquid hydrogen
By using the liquid hydrogen in a chamber
By the trail of bubbles that the particles leave behind
By following the trail of bubbles in the chamber
4. Which of the following sentences explains matter?
Everything in this world (from the book we read to the water we drink and the air we
breathe) is made up of matter.
Matter is made of tiny microscopic particles called “atoms”.
The study of matter and its components is a branch of chemistry.
Matter is thus what molecules and atoms are made of.
5. In paragraph three, "alchemists" are described as people who do what?
Tried to find out what things were made of
Created the "Big Bang"
Found the first metal
Created matter
6. For what purpose does the author describe a soda can?
To give an example of a solid, liquid and gas
To show that everyday items can be used in science
To guide the reader through an experiment
To create variety in the article
7. What are ions and electrons?
Solids and liquids
The particles that result from the split of atoms
Fluids
Plasma
8. What is the central idea of the passage?
To explain what the big bang theory is
It explains a branch of chemistry
It explains matter
It explains what solids are made of
9. Which of the following answer choices describes the fourth form of matter?
The form that exists only at high temperatures.
It exists only in the sun and the other stars and it is called Plasma.
It exists on earth at very low pressure.
All of the above
10."The liquids are free flowing and take the shape of the solids that hold them"
supports which of the following?
"The atoms in the solids are tightly bound together."
"The atoms in the liquid are free flowing and not too tightly bound."
"The atoms in the gases are free flowing and are loosely bound."
"Liquids and gasses are called fluids."
11. After reading the above passage:
 Explain whether you think the main ideas and concepts in this article are presented
in a clear and easy to understand manner.
 Give reasons to support your opinion.