Matter and it’s Classification – Mole Concept

Yashwant Parihar,

In this post, we will talk about the basics of the mole concept, like what matter is and different classifications based on the physical and chemical properties. Understanding the basics is very important in subjects like chemistry because the basics give confidence to solve complex problems more accurately.

What is Matter in Chemistry?

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies some space. For Example – Pen, Board, Book, Ice, etc.

Question: Identify the matter among these?

  • Anger✗
  • Brain✓
  • Thoughts✗
  • Electron✓
  • Age✗
  • Phone✓

Classification of Matter

Matter is classified into two parts:

  • Physical Classification
  • Chemical Classification
Classification of Matter

Physical Classification

Solid:- Those substances which are fixed in shape and volume are known as solids. For Example- Table, Chair, Pen, etc.

Liquid:- Those substances that are fixed in volume but not in shape are known as liquids. Basically, if you take 250ml of water in a glass, then it takes the shape of the glass, and when you pour it into another container, like a mug, then it takes the shape of that, but the volume of that water is the same.

Gas:- Those substances that do not have a fixed shape or volume are known as gases. For example- Hydrogen, Nitrogen, etc.

Intermolecular distance – Solid < Liquid < Gas
Interparticle force of attraction – Solid > Liquid > Gas
Density – Mass/Volume – Solid > Liquid > Gas
Compressibility – Solid > Liquid > Gas
Motion of Particles – Solid < Liquid < Gas
Diffusion (Intermixing) – Solid < Liquid < Gas
Thermal Energy – Solid < Liquid < Gas

Chemical Classification

Pure Substance:- Those materials which have only one type of substance and have the same composition and properties. Pure substances cannot be separated by physical means. Example – H2, O2, Pt, H2o

  1. Elements:- Elements are the pure substances containing only one type of atom. Elements cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by chemical methods. Example – Na, K, Mg, N2, O2, P4, S8
  2. Compounds:- Compounds are the pure substances that are made up of two or more elements combined in a fixed ratio. Example – H2o, Co2, HCl, HNO3

Mixture:- A mixture contains two or more substances, either compounds or elements, in any proportion by mass. It can be separated by simple physical methods. Example – Sugar solution, oil in water, soap solution, etc.

  1. Homogeneous Mixture:- A mixture that has uniform composition throughout the mixture. Example – Salt solution, Alcohol + Water, etc.
  2. Heterogeneous Mixture:- The Composition is not uniform throughout, and sometimes different components are visible. Example – water + oil, Sand in water, etc.

Properties of Matter and Their Measurement

Physical Properties:- Those properties which can be observed or measured without changing the identity or chemical composition of the substance are known as physical properties. Example – Length, Mass, Volume, etc.

Chemical Properties:- A chemical reaction is required for the observation. Example – Reactivity, Acidity, Basicity, etc.

Chemistry class 11