MATTER CLASS VIII

Definition of Matter:

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.

Characteristics of Matter:

1. Has mass – All matter has weight and can be measured.

2. Occupies space – It takes up volume.
3. Made up of particles – Matter consists of tiny particles.
4. Particles are in constant motion.
5. Particles have spaces between them (intermolecular spaces).
6. Particles attract each other (intermolecular force of attraction).

States of Matter:

1. Solid
o Definite shape and volume.
o Particles are closely packed.
o Strong intermolecular forces.
o Very small intermolecular space.
o Least kinetic energy.
2. Liquid
o No definite shape but has a definite volume.
o Particles are loosely packed.
o Moderate intermolecular forces.
o Moderate kinetic energy.
3. Gas
o No definite shape or volume.
o Particles are far apart.
o Weak intermolecular forces.
o Highest kinetic energy.

Interconversion of States of Matter:

Process Change Description

Melting Solid → Liquid On heating, solid melts.
Freezing Liquid → Solid On cooling, liquid freezes.
Boiling Liquid → Gas On heating, liquid vaporizes.
Condensation Gas → Liquid On cooling, gas condenses.
Sublimation Solid ↔ Gas Solid

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1. Very Short Answer Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. Define matter.

Ans: Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.

Q2. Name one substance that shows the property of sublimation.

Ans: Camphor (or: naphthalene, iodine, ammonium chloride).

Q3. Which state of matter has:

• a) Maximum intermolecular force? → Solid

• b) Maximum intermolecular space? → Gas

Q4. What is the physical state of water at:

• a) 0°C → Solid (ice)

• b) 100°C → Gas (steam)

🔹 2. Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks)

Q1. Why do solids have a fixed shape and volume?

Ans: In solids, particles are tightly packed in fixed positions with strong intermolecular forces, which
gives them a definite shape and volume.

Q2. Why do gases neither have a fixed shape nor a fixed volume?
Ans: Gas particles are far apart with negligible intermolecular force, allowing them to move freely
and spread to fill the container.

Q3. What happens to the particles of a solid when it is heated?

Ans: On heating, the particles gain kinetic energy, vibrate faster, overcome intermolecular forces,
and move apart, resulting in a change of state from solid to liquid.

Q4. Define diffusion. In which state of matter is it fastest and why?

Ans: Diffusion is the spontaneous intermixing of particles of different substances. It is fastest in
gases because gas particles have high kinetic energy and large intermolecular spaces.

🔹 3. Long Answer Questions (4-5 marks)

Q1. Compare the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.

Property Solid Liquid Gas

Shape Definite No definite shape No definite shape
Volume Fixed Fixed Not fixed
Intermolecular Space Very small Moderate Large
Intermolecular Force Strong Moderate Weak
Compressibility Negligible Slight High

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Q2. Explain the interconversion of the three states of matter with a neat diagram.

Ans:

• Melting (Fusion): Solid → Liquid (by heating)

• Freezing: Liquid → Solid (by cooling)
• Boiling: Liquid → Gas (by heating)
• Condensation: Gas → Liquid (by cooling)
• Sublimation: Solid ↔ Gas (directly)

Diagram can be drawn showing a triangle with arrows indicating the changes.

Q3. Explain the process of sublimation with an example.

Ans: Sublimation is the change of a solid directly into a gas without becoming liquid.
Example: When camphor is heated, it directly turns into vapor without melting. Upon cooling, it re-
solidifies.

🔹 4. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions

Q1. Why can gases be compressed easily but not solids?

Ans: Gas particles are far apart with large intermolecular spaces, allowing compression. Solids have
closely packed particles, so they cannot be compressed.

Q2. Why does a drop of ink spread in water?

Ans: Due to diffusion. Ink particles move and mix with water molecules due to kinetic energy.

Q3. If a bottle of perfume is opened in a room, its smell spreads. Why?

Ans: The perfume particles diffuse into the air, moving from a region of high concentration to low
concentration due to their kinetic energy.

🔹 5. Diagram-Based Question

Q: Draw and label the arrangement of particles in solids, liquids, and gases.

Solid: Particles tightly packed in fixed positions.

Liquid: Particles loosely packed, some movement.
Gas: Particles widely spaced and moving freely.

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🟨 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following has a definite volume but no definite shape?

A. Solid
B. Liquid ✅
C. Gas
D. Plasma

2. The force of attraction between the particles is maximum in:

A. Liquids
B. Gases
C. Solids ✅
D. Plasma

3. The process by which a solid changes directly into gas is:

A. Evaporation
B. Condensation
C. Sublimation ✅
D. Fusion

4. Intermolecular spaces are maximum in:

A. Solids
B. Liquids
C. Gases ✅
D. Colloids

5. The process of conversion of liquid into gas is called:

A. Condensation
B. Boiling ✅
C. Freezing
D. Melting

🟧 Fill in the Blanks

1. Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. ✅

2. The particles of matter are in constant motion. ✅
3. Diffusion is the intermixing of particles of two substances. ✅
4. The state of matter with highest kinetic energy is gas. ✅
5. Ice changes into water at 0°C. ✅

🟥 True or False

1. Solids have the highest intermolecular space. ❌ (False)

2. Gases can be easily compressed. ✅ (True)

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3. Liquids do not have a definite volume. ❌ (False)

4. Diffusion occurs fastest in solids. ❌ (False)
5. Evaporation is a physical change. ✅ (True)

📄 Model Test Paper – Chapter 1: Matter (Total Marks: 25)

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 × 5 = 5 Marks)

1. Matter is made up of:

A. Atoms
B. Particles ✅
C. Waves
D. Light

2. Which state of matter can flow?

A. Solid
B. Gas
C. Liquid ✅
D. All of the above

3. Which is a physical change?

A. Burning
B. Melting of ice ✅
C. Rusting
D. Combustion

4. Which of the following sublimes?

A. Ice
B. Water
C. Camphor ✅
D. Salt

5. When gas turns into a liquid, the process is called:

A. Boiling
B. Condensation ✅
C. Sublimation
D. Freezing

Section B: Fill in the Blanks (1 × 5 = 5 Marks)

1. The change of liquid into solid is called freezing. ✅

2. The space between gas particles is large. ✅
3. The particles of matter have kinetic energy. ✅
4. Solids have definite shape and volume. ✅

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5. Melting is the process in which solid changes to liquid. ✅

Section C: True or False (1 × 5 = 5 Marks)

1. Matter has mass and occupies space. ✅ True

2. Particles of matter are at rest. ❌ False
3. Gas has neither definite shape nor volume. ✅ True
4. Solids can be easily compressed. ❌ False
5. Intermolecular force is minimum in gases. ✅ True

Section D: Short Answer Questions (2 × 5 = 10 Marks)

Q1. What is diffusion? Give one example.

Ans: Diffusion is the process of intermixing of particles of two substances.
Example: The smell of perfume spreading in a room.

Q2. State two differences between solids and gases.

Property Solid Gas

Shape Fixed No fixed shape
Compressibility Negligible High

Q3. What is meant by interconversion of states of matter?

Ans: The process of change from one state of matter to another and back to original form by
changing temperature or pressure is called interconversion of states.

Q4. Why are gases more compressible than solids and liquids?
Ans: Because gas particles are far apart and have large intermolecular spaces, allowing them to be
brought closer easily.

Q5. Name the following:

• a) The process of solid to gas → Sublimation ✅

• b) The temperature at which a solid melts → Melting point ✅

🧠 Smart Memory Tricks & Mnemonics for 'Matter'

1. Properties of Matter – Mnemonic: "MS PAK"

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✅ Helps remember: Mass, Space, Particles, Attraction, Kinetic motion

Mnemonic:

"Matter Surely Proves All Key laws"

Letter Stands For

M Has Mass
S Occupies Space
P Made of Particles
A Particles have Attraction
K Particles are in Kinetic motion

2. States of Matter – Mnemonic: "SKIV"

✅ Helps compare Solids, Liquids, Gases using 4 aspects:

Shape, Kinetic energy, Intermolecular space, Volume

State Shape Kinetic Energy Intermolecular Space Volume

Solid Fixed Least Very small Fixed
Liquid Not fixed Moderate Medium Fixed
Gas Not fixed High Large Not fixed

Mnemonic Tip:

"Solids are still, Liquids flow, and Gases go!"

3. Interconversion of States – Mnemonic: "My Best Friend Cooks Sweet

Dishes"

✅ Helps remember all 5 changes:

Melting, Boiling, Freezing, Condensation, Sublimation, Deposition

Process State Change

Melting Solid → Liquid
Boiling Liquid → Gas
Freezing Liquid → Solid
Condensation Gas → Liquid
Sublimation Solid ↔ Gas
Deposition Gas → Solid

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4. Difference between Physical and Chemical Change – Tip: "New vs No-

New"

Property Physical Change Chemical Change

New substance ❌ No ✅ Yes
Reversible ✅ Usually ❌ No
Example Melting ice Burning wood

Trick: If NO new substance = Physical

If NEW substance = Chemical

5. Diffusion – Tip: “Gas Gets Going!”

• Diffusion happens fastest in gases → Gases move fast and mix easily
• Example: Perfume smell spreading = Diffusion!

Memory Tip:

"Diffusion = Dashing particles!"

📝 Quick Revision Sheet (Flash Style)

Matter:

• Has mass
• Takes space
• Made of tiny moving particles

States:

• Solid – tightly packed

• Liquid – flows
• Gas – fills container

Interconversion:

• Solid → Liquid (Melting)

• Liquid → Gas (Boiling)
• Gas → Liquid (Condensation)
• Liquid → Solid (Freezing)
• Solid ↔ Gas (Sublimation)

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Diffusion:
Mixing of particles on their own

🎯 Pro Tips to Master This Chapter

1. Repeat concepts aloud – it improves memory retention.

2. Create a mind map – group properties and processes visually.
3. Draw diagrams – particles in solids/liquids/gases stick in your mind.
4. Quiz yourself – practice with MCQs and flashcards.
5. Teach someone else – the best way to learn is to explain.

🌟 ICSE HOTS Questions – Chapter 1: Matter

1. Why are gases compressible, but solids are not?

Answer:
Gases have large intermolecular spaces, so their particles can be brought closer together under
pressure. Solids, however, have particles packed tightly with negligible spaces, so they cannot be
compressed.

2. A gas cylinder is completely filled. When you open its valve, the gas spreads
quickly in the room. Why does this happen? Name the process involved.

Answer:
This happens due to diffusion. Gas particles are in constant rapid motion and have weak
intermolecular forces, so they spread out to fill the entire space available.

3. Ice at 0°C melts to form water at 0°C. Is this a physical or chemical change?
Justify your answer.

Answer:
This is a physical change because no new substance is formed; only the state of matter changes
from solid to liquid. The chemical composition (H₂O) remains the same.

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4. Why do solids not show diffusion easily but gases do?

Answer:
In solids, particles are tightly packed and vibrate in fixed positions, so they cannot move freely to
mix. In gases, particles move freely and rapidly, allowing quick diffusion.

5. You place a crystal of potassium permanganate in water. The water

becomes purple after some time, even without stirring. Explain this
observation.

Answer:
This is due to diffusion. The particles of potassium permanganate slowly spread and mix with water
molecules due to their constant motion.

6. Why do liquids take the shape of the container but do not fill it completely
like gases?

Answer:
Liquids have moderate intermolecular forces and less kinetic energy than gases, so they can flow and
take the container's shape. However, their fixed volume prevents them from expanding to fill the
container fully like gases do.

7. A solid changes into gas on heating without becoming liquid. Name the
process and give one example.

Answer:
The process is sublimation.
Example: Camphor or naphthalene balls.

8. Explain why increasing temperature leads to a change in the state of

matter.

Answer:
Increasing temperature raises the kinetic energy of particles, making them vibrate more vigorously.
This weakens the intermolecular forces, allowing the particles to move apart, leading to a change in
state (e.g., solid to liquid, liquid to gas).

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9. A student says that "burning of paper" is a change of state. Do you agree?

Why/Why not?

Answer:
Disagree. Burning of paper is a chemical change, not a change of state. It forms new substances like
carbon dioxide, ash, and smoke, and cannot be reversed.

10. Why do we feel the smell of hot food from a distance but not cold food?

Answer:
Hot food releases aroma particles that move faster due to higher kinetic energy, causing faster
diffusion in air. Cold food releases particles more slowly, hence slower diffusion.

✅ Bonus Exam Tip:

In HOTS questions, examiners test your reasoning and ability to apply concepts, not just definitions.
Focus on explaining “why” and “how” using scientific reasoning.

📝 ICSE Long Answer Questions – Chapter: Matter (4–5 marks each)

Q1. Explain the characteristics of the three states of matter with respect to:

• a) Intermolecular space
• b) Intermolecular force
• c) Shape
• d) Volume
• e) Compressibility

Answer:

Property Solid Liquid Gas

Intermolecular Space Very small Moderate Very large
Intermolecular Force Very strong Moderate Weak
Shape Definite No definite shape No definite shape
Volume Fixed Fixed No fixed volume
Compressibility Negligible Slight High

Solids are tightly packed and rigid. Liquids can flow and take the shape of the container. Gases are
highly compressible and expand to fill the space available.

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Q2. What is meant by interconversion of states of matter? Explain all the

processes involved with suitable examples. Also, draw a labelled diagram.

Answer:

Interconversion of states of matter is the process by which matter changes from one physical state
to another and can be reversed by changing temperature or pressure.

Processes:

• Melting: Solid → Liquid (Ice → Water)

• Freezing: Liquid → Solid (Water → Ice)
• Boiling: Liquid → Gas (Water → Steam)
• Condensation: Gas → Liquid (Steam → Water)
• Sublimation: Solid ↔ Gas (Camphor/Iodine → Vapour and vice versa)

Diagram: (You can draw a triangle showing all conversions with arrows)

Q3. What is diffusion? In which state of matter is it fastest? Give examples to

explain diffusion in solids, liquids, and gases.

Answer:

Diffusion is the spontaneous intermixing of particles of different substances due to their motion.

• Fastest in Gases because particles have the highest kinetic energy and maximum space to
move.

Examples:

• Solid: Diffusion of copper sulphate crystals in water (slow)

• Liquid: Ink spreading in water
• Gas: Smell of perfume spreading in a room

Diffusion occurs because the particles are always in motion, and higher the energy, faster the
diffusion.

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Q4. Compare and contrast solids, liquids, and gases on the basis of at least five
differences.

Answer:

Property Solids Liquids Gases

Shape Definite No definite shape No definite shape
Volume Fixed Fixed Not fixed
Compressibility Negligible Slight High
Flow Cannot flow Can flow Flows easily
Arrangement of particles Tightly packed Loosely packed Widely spaced

This comparison helps in understanding the behaviour of matter in different states and their
practical uses.

Q5. Explain the heating curve of water and what happens to the molecules at
different temperature points (like 0°C and 100°C).

Answer:

As ice is heated:

• At 0°C: Ice starts melting. Energy is used to break intermolecular bonds, not raise
temperature.
• Between 0°C–100°C: Water temperature rises.
• At 100°C: Water boils and changes into steam. Again, temperature stays constant while
particles gain energy to overcome forces of attraction.
• After 100°C: Steam temperature rises.

This shows that during change of state, energy is used to change phase, not temperature (called
latent heat).

🌱 Value-Based & Real-Life Application Questions – Chapter: Matter

Q1. Riya noticed that the smell of agarbatti (incense stick) lit in one corner of
her room spread all around in a few minutes. She asked her grandmother why
this happened.

• a) What scientific concept is being demonstrated here?

• b) What values of Riya are shown in this situation?

Answer:
a) The concept is diffusion – the spreading of gas particles (in this case, fragrance) due to their

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constant motion.
b) Riya shows curiosity, observational skills, and a desire to learn from her surroundings.

Q2. During summer, Rohit always stores his perfume bottles away from
sunlight. His friend kept one in the sun and it leaked. Explain why this
happened and what values Rohit displayed.

Answer:
The perfume evaporated faster when heated, increasing the vapor pressure inside the bottle,
causing it to leak or burst.
Rohit showed:

• Scientific awareness
• Responsibility and care for belongings
• Environmental consciousness (preventing waste and pollution)

Q3. A teacher asks students to keep naphthalene balls in open and closed
containers and observe changes over a few days. Meena observed that the
naphthalene in the open box vanished faster.

• a) What process does this demonstrate?

• b) What values does this activity promote?

Answer:
a) The process is sublimation – solid converting directly to gas.
b) The activity promotes:

• Scientific thinking
• Patience in observation
• Teamwork and discipline (if done in a group)

Q4. In a science exhibition, Amit demonstrates how liquids take the shape of
any container but have a fixed volume, using different shaped jars. His
classmates understand the concept clearly.

• a) What property of matter is being explained?

• b) Which qualities does Amit exhibit?

Answer:
a) Property: Liquids have no definite shape but definite volume.
b) Amit shows:

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• Creativity in learning
• Confidence in communication
• Willingness to help peers

Q5. During a road trip, Neha kept a sealed packet of chips on the dashboard.
After a few hours, it appeared swollen. Her father explained it using a physics
concept.

• a) Why did the chip packet swell?

• b) What values are seen in this scenario?

Answer:
a) The heat increased the temperature of air inside the packet, causing it to expand due to increased
kinetic energy of gas molecules.
b) This shows:

• Real-life application of science

• Curiosity and parent-child learning
• Respect for knowledge and practical awareness

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