ICSE · Grade 6

Ch. 1: Matter

Matter occupies space and has mass. Three states — solid, liquid, gas — differ in particle arrangement, force and motion. Energy is not matter. States change by heating or cooling (melting, boiling, condensation, freezing, sublimation).

Quiz AI Tutor
What is matter? States of matter: solid, liquid, gas Particle model and intermolecular forces Change of state: heating and cooling Evaporation, condensation, sublimation, diffusion
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Interactive science lab — Matter

Watch particle motion. Click a state to compare solids, liquids and gases.

Solid

Particles are tightly packed. Strong attraction. They only vibrate. Fixed shape and volume. Not compressible.

  • Shape: fixed
  • Volume: fixed
  • Force: very strong
  • Gaps: almost none
Solid

Rigid · fixed shape · vibration only

Liquid

Flows · fixed volume · no fixed shape

Gas

Fills space · compressible · free motion

Change of state (heat / cool)

S
Solid
Melting 🔥
L
Liquid
Vapourisation 🔥
G
Gas
G
Gas
Condensation ❄️
L
Liquid
Freezing ❄️
S
Solid

Sublimation: solid → gas (skip liquid) · Deposition: gas → solid · Energy is not matter (no mass / no space).

Diffusion demo

Particles move from higher concentration to lower concentration until mixed.

Compare at a glance

SolidLiquidGas
ShapeFixedNot fixedNot fixed
VolumeFixedFixedNot fixed
GapsVery smallMediumVery large
Compress?NoNoYes
ForceStrongMediumWeak
# Analogy Mode | Idea | Analogy | |------|---------| | Solid particles | Students sitting in fixed chairs, only fidgeting | | Liquid particles | Students walking in a crowded corridor | | Gas particles | Students running freely in a playground | | Melting | Bell rings — students leave fixed seats | | Freezing | Teacher says sit — everyone freezes in place | | Diffusion | Perfume / food smell spreading in a room | | Compression of gas | Squeezing a sponge full of air holes | | Energy | Wi‑Fi signal — real effect, but not a solid object | **School bag analogy:** Mass = how much stuff is in the bag. Space = the bag occupies room on the bench.
Interesting facts Common mistakes Vocabulary Revision notes

Topics in this chapter

  • What is matter?
    Occupies space and has mass. Air is matter. Energy is not matter.…
  • Atoms and molecules
    Atoms: protons, electrons, neutrons. Molecules: groups of atoms.…
  • Solid state
    Fixed shape and volume. Strong force. Pack tightly. Only vibrate. Rigid.…
  • Liquid state
    Fixed volume, no fixed shape. Can flow. More space than solids. Not compressed.…
  • Gaseous state
    No fixed shape or volume. Weak force. Large gaps. Compressible. Diffusion.…
  • Change of state
    Heat/cool changes motion. Melting, boiling, evaporation, condensation, freezing, sublimation, deposi…
  • Compare S/L/G
    Table of packing, force, shape, volume, compressibility.…

Philosophy check

  • What is this civilization?
  • Why was it advanced?
  • How did cities work?
  • Where do we still see these ideas?
  • Exams — what will be asked?