Learn Intext Exercise 1.1 with Free Lessons & Tips

Anything that occupies space and has mass is called matter. Matter can exist in three physical states—solid, liquid, and gaseous.

Chair and almond are forms of matter in the solid state.

Cold drink is a liquid state of matter.

Air is a gaseous state of matter.

Note: The sense of smell is not matter. However, the smell or odour of a substance is classified as matter. The smell of any substance (say, perfume) can be classified as matter. This is because, perfume is in liquid state inside the bottle. It comes out in the form of tiny droplets. These droplets of perfume are matter and spread out in the atmosphere to create a sense of smell. This smell can be detected by our olfactory system.

Solids diffuse at a very slow rate. But, if the temperature of the solid is increased, then the rate of diffusion of the solid particles into air increases. This is due to an increase in the kinetic energy of solid particles. Hence, the smell of  sizzling food reaches us even at a distance, but to get the smell from cold food we have to go close.

The ability of a diver to cut through water in a swimming pool shows that the particles of matter have intermolecular spaces. The intermolecular spaces in liquids is fair enough to let the diver pass through it.