ChemiStre
Classifying matter, matters
Weekly Newsletter
Every one of us has encountered examples of matter. The
food that we eat, the things that we use, even the very
breath that we breathe are all examples of matter. In
everything we do, consciously or unconsciously, we
encounter matter. We are all exposed to matter. In fact, we
ourselves, are example of matter. Hence, it is important for
us to understand concepts about matter.
Matter is basically defined as anything that occupies space
and has mass. It has three main phases or states namely;
solid, liquid, and gas. These three states of matter differ in
structure, shape, volume, and amount of kinetic energy
within the particles. Another phase of matter is the plasma
which occurs at extremely high temperature (ex. Aurora
borealis, plasma TV, and lightning). These four states of
matter occur naturally. Besides these, there are two other
phases called the Bose-Einstein and Fermionic
condensates. These two are laboratory made and exist
under extremely low temperature (near absolute zero).
Equally important to understanding phases of matter is the
study of classification of matter. In classifying matter,
their properties are analyzed and then grouped according
to their similarities and differences.
Generally, all matter is classified either as a pure
substance or a mixture. A pure substance is made up of
only one kind of matter and can further be classified as
either element or compound. An element is made up of
only one kind of atom while, a compound is made up of
-by Strellita N. Barcelona
two or more kinds of atoms/elements which are
chemically combined. An element can no longer be
broken down into simpler
substance but a compound may
be broken down to form simpler
substances by chemical means.
A mixture, on the other hand,
can be made up of two or more
substances which are physically combined. Several
techniques can be used to separate the components of
mixtures such as filtration, evaporation, chromatography
and crystallization.
Mixtures are categorized into three types. Solution is a
homogeneous type of mixture in which the components
are equally distributed and appears to be in a single phase.
Colloid and suspension
are both heterogeneous
type of mixture whose
components can still be
distinguished. Colloid is
composed of suspended
particles that are too
small to be seen by the
naked eye. Meanwhile, a
suspension is composed
of larger particles which usually settle at the bottom of the
mixture. There are several types of colloids which include
sol, emulsion, gel, foam, and aerosol.
The importance of classifying matter enables us to
understand the fact that different forms of matter possess
different properties. Knowing these differences among
matter is important so that we can use them in our homes,
in industry, and in other applications. Moreover, when
scientists study about these chemical substances, they will
be able to discover their benefits to human lives.