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CHAPTER 2 What Is Matter?

EXPLORING DIVERSITY OF
Everything around us is made of matter.
MATTER BY ITS PHYSICAL 

 Matter is anything that has mass and volume.

PROPERTIES  Mass is the amount of matter in a body. The larger the
mass, the more matter it has.
 Volume is the amount of space a body occupies.

Classifying Matter How do we classify?

 Sorting things into groups is called classification.  There is usually more than one way to classify the
 There is a great diversity of both living and non- same group of objects.
living things in the world. Classifying these things
helps us to understand them more easily.
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Ways to classify non-living things Strength Stream

 Definition: Strength is the ability to

Ways to classify non-living support a heavy load without changing
things its shape permanently.

three states physical

materials
of matter properties

Steel bridge Wood bridge

Question: Which type of bridge would allow heavy vehicles to
pass through? Explain your answer.

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Hardness Stream Flexibility Stream

 Definition: Hardness of a material is its  Definition: Flexibility of a material is its

resistance to wear and tear, and ability to bend without breaking and
scratches. return to its initial shape and size after
bending.

Steel knife Plastic knife

Question: Which type of knife can cut raw meat? Explain your
answer.
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Electrical conductivity Heat (Thermal) conductivity

 Definition: Electrical conductivity of a  Definition: Heat (thermal) conductivity of

material is a measure of how easily a material is a measure of how easily
electricity (electric current) flows through heat passes through it.
it.

Melting point Boiling Point

 Definition: Melting point is the  Definition: Boiling point is the

temperature at which the material temperature at which the material
changes from the solid state to the liquid changes from the liquid state to the
state. gaseous state.
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Density Malleability

 Definition: Density of a material is the  Definition: Malleability is the ability to

mass (of the material) per unit volume. deform under compression. Able to be
rolled or beaten into sheets
 It refers to the amount of matter an
object has in proportion to its volume.

Some properties of the five groups

Ductility
of materials

 Definition: Ductility is the ability to be

hammered thin or stretched into wire
without breaking
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Some properties of the five groups Some properties of the five groups
of materials of materials

Material Physical Properties Material Physical Properties

Plastic • Lightweight
• Does not corrode
• Can be moulded into shapes
• Has a low melting point
• Poor conductor of electricity
• Poor conductor of heat
Glass • Transparent
• Poor conductor of electricity
• Poor conductor of heat
• Can be moulded into shapes
• Has a high melting point
• Fragile
Metal • Shiny
• Good conductor of electricity
• Good conductor of heat
• Can be moulded into shapes
• Can be bent without breaking
Ceramic • Made from clay
• Poor conductor of electricity
• Hard
• Can be moulded into shapes
• Does not corrode
• Has a high melting point
• Fragile

Some properties of the five groups Materials, their uses and reasons for
of materials choosing them
Material Uses Reasons for choosing the
Material Physical Properties material
Fibres • Can be spun into threads and woven into Metal Aluminium drink can Strong, low density, does not
fabrics
corrode easily
• Able to absorb dyes
• Poor conductors of electricity
• Poor conductors of heat Copper electric wire Good conductor of electricity,
strong, does not corrode

Gold bangles Shiny, does not corrode

Ceramic Porcelain plate Poor conductor of heat

Cooking pot Poor conductor of heat, does

not corrode, high melting point
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Material Uses Reasons for choosing the Material Uses Reasons for choosing the
material material
Plastic Plastic bags Low density, flexible, strong
Fibre Cotton clothes Low density, absorbs
perspiration, able to absorb dyes
Plastic food containers Low density, easily moulded,
poor conductors of heat
Rattan chair Strong, flexible
Plastic electrical Strong, does not conduct
socket electricity
Glass Glass window panes Transparent, hard

Thin protective glass Hard, does not corrode

layer on metal objects
such as refrigerators
and baths

Measurements Measurements

Physical quantity SI unit Symbol

 A physical quantity is one that can be
measured and consists of a numerical Length metre m
magnitude and unit.
 Examples: Mass kilogram kg
Length, area, volume, mass, time
 To ensure that our measurements are fair, Temperature kelvin K
common standards need to be established 
Systeme International d’Unites (SI units) Time second s
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Prefix Stream

Prefix simplify the writing of very large or very small quantities. Length
Prefix Value Symbol

nano 0.000000001 n 1. Length is the distance between two specified points.

2. Can be used as measurement of
micro 0.000001 µ
 height, depth, width, thickness, circumference
milli 0.001 m 3. SI unit – metre (m)
centi 0.01 c 4. Instruments:
 metre rule, measuring tape, digital calipers / vernier
deci 0.1 d calipers
kilo 1 000 k 5. Vernier calipers are more accurate than the metre rule
since the smallest division on the vernier scale is 0.01 cm
mega 1 000 000 M compared to 0.1 cm on the metre rule.

giga 1 000 000 000 G

Metre Rule Vernier calipers

 To read the scale on a metre rule (or any ruler) correctly, the Parts of a vernier calipers
eye must be positioned directly above the mark on the scale.
This avoids parallax error.
Inside jaws
 Parallax error is an error in reading an instrument as a result of Main scale
not viewing the measurement scale from the correct position.
wrong reading
correct
of 2.5 cm
reading of 2.6
cm
wrong reading
of 2.8 cm Vernier Tail
scale Main scale

Outside jaws

correct way of using a ruler wrong way of using a ruler

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How to read the vernier calipers?

Functions of Parts Use the Task-based CFS

Have you…..
Part Name of Part Functions
1 outside jaws measure width, length or external diameter of an
1. Labelled the main scale as MS and vernier scale as VS?
object 2. Recorded the the main scale (MS) reading in front of the

2 inside jaws measure internal diameter of an object zero mark of the vernier scale (VS)?

3 tail measure depth such as of a hole or beaker 3. Circled the lines where the values of the two scales meet in

4&5 main scale stationary scale which measures up to an accuracy

a straight line?
of 1 decimal place 4. Recorded the vernier scale reading where you have circled
6 vernier scale movable/sliding scale which measures up to an in Step 2?
accuracy of 2 decimal places 5. Added the two values together?

Example 1
Example 1 Step 2: Recorded the the main scale (MS)
Step 1: Labelled the main scale as MS and reading in front of the zero mark of
vernier scale as VS the vernier scale (VS)?

Main scale reading = 2.2 cm

MS MS

VS VS

Note: Main scale reading is expressed in 1 decimal place.


Step 3: Circled the lines where the values of
the two scales meet in a straight line?
Main scale reading = 2.2 cm
MS
VS
Note: Vernier scale reading is expressed in 2 decimal places.
Step 5: Added the two values together?
Observed reading = 2.2 + 0.08 cm
= 2.28 cm
Main scale reading = 2.2 cm
MS
VS
Vernier scale reading 0.08 cm
Observed reading = 2.28 cm
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Step 4: Recorded the vernier scale reading
where you have circled in Step 2?
Main scale reading = 2.2 cm
MS
VS
Vernier scale reading 0.08 cm
How to read the vernier calipers?
Use the Task-based CFS
Have you…..
1. Labelled the main scale, MS and vernier scale, VS?
2. Recorded the the main scale (MS) reading in front of the
zero mark of the vernier scale (VS)?
3. Circled the lines where the values of the two scales meet in
a straight line?
4. Recorded the vernier scale reading where you have circled
in Step 2? Try it yourself!
5. Added the two values together? Example 2
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Example 2 Example 3

1.8 cm
3.4 cm

MS MS

VS VS

0.02 cm
Observed reading = 3.4 + 0.05 0.05 cm Observed reading = 1.8 + 0.02
= 3.45 cm = 1.82 cm

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Zero Error Zero Error Stream

• In order to obtain an accurate reading, vernier calipers should always be  To get the correct actual reading:
checked for any zero error.
• If the jaws are closed but the zero marks on the main scale and the vernier scale
are not in line, there is an error known as the zero error. Actual Reading = Observed Reading – Zero Error

• The observed reading will differ from the actual length and we need to correct
the reading in order to get the actual reading.
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Positive zero error Stream Stream

0.8 cm

Observed reading = 0.85 cm

Actual reading
= Observed reading – zero
Zero error: +0.04 cm 0.05 cm error
= 0.85 – (+0.04)
= 0.81 cm

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Negative zero error Stream Stream

6.4 cm

Observed reading
= 6.44 cm

0.03 cm Actual reading

Zero error = –0.03 cm 0.04 cm = Observed reading –
zero error
= 6.44 – (–0.03)
= 6.47 cm
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Practice Questions Only for Express

Practice Questions Only for Express
Question 1 Stream Question 2 Stream

State the 1) value of zero error, State the 1) value of zero error,
2) observed reading and 2) observed reading and
3) actual reading on the vernier calipers. 3) actual reading on the vernier calipers.

1) Zero error = –0.03 cm 1) Zero error = +0.03 cm

2) Observed reading = 0.06 cm 2) Observed reading = 1.06 cm

3) Actual reading 3) Actual reading

= 0.06 – (–0.03) = 1.06 – (+0.03)
= 0.09 cm = 1.03 cm

Practice Questions Only for Express

Practice Questions Only for Express
Question 3 Stream Question 4 Stream

State the 1) value of zero error, State the 1) value of zero error,
2) observed reading and 2) observed reading and
3) actual reading on the vernier calipers. 3) actual reading on the vernier calipers.

Zero error = –0.04 cm

1) Zero error = +0.10 cm
Observed reading = 7.05 cm
2) Observed reading = 5.31 cm Actual reading
= 7.05 – (–0.04)
3) Actual reading = 7.09 cm
= 5.31 – (+0.10)
= 5.21 cm
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Choosing Appropriate Accuracy and Precision of

Instrument to Measure Length Measurements

Instrument Used to measure Precision

 Accuracy – an accurate measurement is a
Measuring tape • length more than 1 m 0.1 cm reading which is very close to or the same as the
• curved length (e.g. true value.
circumference)  Precision - precise measurements are multiple
Metre rule • length between 15 cm 0.1 cm readings taken very close to one another or the
and 1 m same.
Vernier calipers • length less than 15 cm 0.01 cm
• internal diameter
• depth

Accuracy and Precision of

Volume
Measurements

 Types of error 1. The volume of an object is the amount of

space it occupies.
that are consistent – due to faulty
 Errors
equipment (zero error). Such error usually 2. SI unit: cubic metre (m3)
has a fixed value. 3. The volumes of solids with regular shapes are
calculated using formulae.
 Errorsthat are unpredictable (or random)
– may arise and cause imprecise
measurements. Example: human reaction
time and environmental conditions (such
as wind)
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Volumes of regular solids Volumes of irregular solids Stream

 The volumes of solids with regular shapes (V ) are
calculated using formulae.
 We cannot use formulae to calculate volumes
of irregular solids, e.g. stone.
 Volume of irregular solids can be measured by
using a measuring cylinder or a displacement
can.

Volumes of irregular solids Volumes of irregular solids

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Method 1 – Using measuring Stream Method 1 – Using measuring Stream
cylinder cylinder

 Step 1  Step 2
Fill the measuring cylinder 50 Tie the stone with a piece of string
with water. Measure and and lower it slowly into the water 50
40
record the volume of water in until it is completely submerged.
Measure and record the new 40
30
the measuring cylinder as V0.
volume of water as V1. 30
20
20
V0 = 25 cm3 10
V1 = 35 cm3
10

Note: V1 = the volume of water + volume of stone

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Volumes of irregular solids Volumes of irregular solids

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Method 1 – Using measuring Stream Method 2 – Using Stream
cylinder displacement can

 Step 3  Step 1
Volume of stone Place the displacement can
= V1 – V0
50 on top of a tripod stand and
40
fill it with water to the level of
= 35 – 25 the spout. Allow excess water
= 10 cm3 30 to flow into a container.
20

10

Volumes of irregular solids Volumes of irregular solids

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Method 2 – Using Stream Method 2 – Using Stream
displacement can displacement can

 Step 2  Step 3
When the water stops flowing, Tie a piece of string to the
replace the container with a stone and gently lower it into
dry, empty measuring cylinder. 50
the displacement can till it is
Ensure that the empty 40 completely submerged. 50

40
measuring cylinder is next to 30 Some water is displaced into 30
the outlet of the displacement 20
the measuring cylinder. 20

can. 10
10
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Volumes of irregular solids

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Method 2 – Using Stream Volumes of liquids
displacement can

 Step 4  A measuring cylinder can also be used to measure

Measure the volume of water the volume of a liquid.
displaced in the measuring  In a measuring cylinder, the liquid surface is slightly
cylinder. curved. This curved shape is called a meniscus.
50

40  When you take a reading from a measuring cylinder,

Volume of stone 30
your eye must be at the same level as the bottom of
20
the meniscus.
= volume of water displaced 10

in the measuring cylinder

Your eye must be at the same level as Mass

the bottom of the meniscus. This is to avoid
making parallax error.
wrong reading of 78 cm3
correct reading of 77 cm3
1. Mass is a measure of the amount of
matter in a body.
2. SI unit: kilogram (kg)
3. Electronic balances or beam
balances are used to measure mass.

wrong reading of 74 cm3

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What Is Density?

1. The density of a substance is the mass of the substance

per unit volume.
2. SI unit: kg/m3

3. A denser substance will sink while a less dense

substance will float.
4. Objects that are made of the same substance (or
material) have the same density.

Explain what you will observe when oil A mass of an object is 26.4 g. Calculate
and mercury are placed in water. its density if it has a volume of 16 cm3.

 Oil is the least dense of the three and will float at

the top.
 Mercury is the most dense substance, and will Density =
sink to the bottom.
.
 Water has a density between those of oil and =
mercury, and hence is suspended between the
= 1.65 g/cm3
other two substances.

If the density of steel is 8 g/cm3,
1) what is the density of 20 cm3 of steel ?
2) Calculate the mass of 20 cm3 of steel.
1) Density is dependent on the material. Since
the material is the same, density remains the
same.
2) Mass = Density x Volume
= 8 g/cm3 x 20 cm3
= 160 g
Biodegradable Materials
• Can be decomposed by bacteria or other
living organisms in the soil.
• E.g. peels of vegetables and fruits, paper
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Conservation of Our Environment
• The objects we use in our daily lives are made
of a variety of materials.
• After use, many of these objects are thrown
away.
• The excessive use of paper and the disposal
of plastic harms the environment.
Non-Biodegradable Materials
• Remain in the ground forever with little or no
change, hence they pollute the environment.
• E.g. glass, plastic
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• In Australia, 50 million
Environmental Disadvantages garbage bags end up as
of Plastic litter yearly, and the “plastic
soup” patch floating in the
Pacific Ocean is twice the
size of the continental
• August 2010, between 500
United States.
billion and 1 trillion plastic bags
are being used each year
worldwide.

• Approximately 100,000 sea

turtles and other marine
animals die every year because
they either mistake the bags for
food or get strangled in them

Environmental Disadvantages The 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and

of Paper Recycle

 Cause pollution – both air and water Reduce Reuse Recycle

 Consumes energy
 Consumes water
Only use what
 Inefficient recycling you need Reuse things for
 Produces waste the same or
new purpose
 Almost non-biodegradable Convert waste
into useful
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green-science/paper-plastic1.htm