Matter Solids: Explanation and Examples

Introduction: 

All the things we see around us is made of matter. What we drink is matter; our body itself is matter. What exactly is the matter? What type of matter is present in nature? 

Let’s learn about matter and what matter contains? 

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Matter cannot always be seen. Whatever is in our surroundings is made up of ‘matter.’ All matters are made up of tiny particles, such as atoms, molecules, or ions.  

Explanation: 

The matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Something that can be felt by touching is matter. This includes some of the things that we see, such as trees, plants, balls, shirts, pants, biscuits, cookies, etc. 

If we don’t even see the gas present in the atmosphere, the way the gas objects are made is a matter. 

Matter has been classified into three states. They are solids, liquids, and gases. 

As there are different states of matter, its characteristics are also different from each other 

Now we are going to learn ‘what are solids?’ 

Solids: 

• Solid is a substance that has its own shape and size. 

• The particle in it cannot move freely as it is closely packed. 

• There is a strong force of attraction between the particles so that the attraction between the particles is undetermined. 
• The particles in a solid have less energy than the particles of liquids and gases. 

Activities conducted to understand solids: 

Activity-1 

1. Take a football or a basketball. 

2. It has its own shape and has the color brown. 

3. The football gets its shape as if the particles in it are tightly packed, and the particles in it cannot move freely. 

4. Football has its own texture; it can move wherever it wants. 

5. When you touch the football, they have different textures with different hardness. 

6. This defines that football is solid. 

Activity-2:+ 

1. Take a wooden scale. 

2. That wooden scale is of a long rectangular shape. 

3. The color of the scale is yellow. 

4. The texture of the scale is smooth, and it is very hard. 

5.  Finally, the scale has shape, size and color. By this, we can say that scale is a solid. 

Examples of solids and their properties:  

1. Sponge: Sponge has its own shape, and the particles in it are tightly packed. So that is the reason why sponge has its own shape. The particles in it cannot move freely. 

2. Ice cube: Ice cube is the solid state of matter that is water. When we freeze the water, it converts into the solid form. In an ice cube, water particles are closely packed, and the force of attraction between the particles are strong. 

3. Glass: Glass is a solid substance. It has its own shape and size. In the glass, the particles are tightly packed, and the attraction is very strong. As the particles are closely packed, and there is no space between the particles, it has got the shape of the glass. 

4. Rock: Rock is a solid substance. In this, the rock particles are closely packed, and the force of attraction is strong so that the particles cannot move here and there. It is attaining the shape of its own, and it has its size. 

5. Car: Car is one of the examples of solid. A car has its own shape and size. It is a moving substance. It is also one of the examples of matter. 

Some more examples of solids are: 

1. Cup 

2. Chain 

3. Box 

4. Bangle 

5. Watch 

6. Carrot 

7. Vegetables 

8. Fruits 

9. Computer 

10. Books