Matter – JSS1 Intermediate Science Lesson Note (First Term)

What is matter?

Everything you see around you—the chair you are sitting on, the water you drink, the air you breathe, and even your own body—is made of Matter.

Definition of Matter

In science, Matter is defined as anything that has Mass and occupies Space.

1. Mass: This means it has weight (it is “heavy” or “light”). If you put it on a scale, it will show a reading.
2. Space (Volume): This means it takes up room. If you try to put a stone in a cup already full of water, the water spills because the stone needs its own space.

What is Matter made of?

Matter is made up of very tiny particles called Atoms. These particles are so small that we cannot see them with our eyes. Think of them like tiny “bricks” that build everything in the world.

THE THREE STATES OF MATTER

Matter does not always look the same. It can exist in three main forms, which we call “States.” Let’s look at water as an example:

• When water is frozen, it is Ice (Solid).
• When you drink it, it is Water (Liquid).
• When it boils and disappears into the air, it is Steam (Gas).

1. Solids

In a solid, the tiny particles are packed very closely together. They are like students sitting tightly in a row during an assembly; there is no room to move around.

Properties of Solids:

• They have a fixed shape. A stone stays the shape of a stone unless you break it.
• They have a fixed volume (they don’t grow or shrink on their own).
• They cannot be compressed (squashed) easily.

2. Liquids

In a liquid, the particles are still close, but they can slide past each other. This is why liquids can flow.

Properties of Liquids:

• They have no fixed shape. They take the shape of the container you pour them into (like water in a bottle vs. water in a bowl).
• They have a fixed volume. If you have one litre of milk, it stays one litre even if you pour it into a big bucket.
• They can flow easily.

3. Gases

In a gas, the particles are very far apart and move very fast in all directions. They are like children playing during break time, running everywhere!

Properties of Gases:

• They have no fixed shape.
• They have no fixed volume. They will spread out to fill any space they are in.
• They can be compressed (squashed) into a small space (like air inside a bicycle tyre).

SUMMARY AND COMPARISON

To help you remember, here is a simple table to compare the three states:

Class Activity

Let’s test our knowledge! Look at the following items and group them into Solid, Liquid, or Gas:

• Oxygen in a tank, Cooking oil, A piece of wood, Smoke from a fire, Kerosene, A metal spoon.

Fun Question to Think About

If you spray perfume in one corner of the classroom, why can someone at the other end smell it after a few seconds? (Hint: Think about how gas particles move!)

Homework

Find five items at home. List them and state whether they are Solid, Liquid, or Gas. For each one, give one reason why you think so.