NB: Questions related to chemistry test your knowledge of chemical properties and processes. You may be
asked questions about states of matter, properties of matter, phase changes, chemical bonds, chemical
solutions, chemical reactions, and acids and bases. You may be asked to balance chemical equations. Let’s get
started in understanding how chemistry is important on the ATI TEAS.
pg. 1
, UNDERSTANDING STATES OF MATTER
Matter is made up of microscopic particles that move different speeds depending on the energy
they are exposed to. We measure this energy as temperature. The molecules can move either
quickly and randomly or hardly at all.
When the energy is high, matter take the form of a gas, in which molecules are moving about
quickly and are far apart. Gases have no fixed form. Molecules are free to move at random past
each other, and they tend to fill any container that holds them. If a gas is not contained, its
molecules will disperse.
Lower temperatures result in a liquid, in which molecules cohere but are fluid. Coherence means
that the molecules remain close together, but they can change position by sliding over one
another. In liquids, molecules move less freely than in a gaseous state, sliding past one another.
They have a fixed volume but will flow freely unless they fill a portion of a container.
When the temperature is low, matter takes the form of a solid, in which molecules are packed
closely together and retain their positions. Solid matter is rigid, and molecules retain a uniform
spacing. A solid has a defined form, which is brittle. It can be broken into pieces but tends to stay
together.
A somewhat unusual state of matter is plasma, which is like a gas in many of its properties but
carries an electric charge.
The TEAS focus on solids, liquids, and gases.
pg. 2
, UNDERSTANDING CHANGES IN STATE OF MATTER
The state of matter depends on temperature and pressure. Higher temperatures cause molecules
to energize and move farther apart. Increasing pressure forces molecules closer together. Melting
is the phase change from solid to liquid and boiling is the phase change from liquid to gas. There
is also a direct change from solid to gas known as sublimation. The phase change from gas to
liquid is condensation and the change from liquid to solid is freezing. A direct change from gas
to solid is deposition.
All types of matter can be described in terms of the physical and chemical properties each
substance has. Physical properties are observable and there is an extensive list of physical
properties that one could observe about a substance. A few examples are density, the
temperatures at which the substance undergoes phase changes, malleability, conductivity,
specific heat capacity, mass, volume, color, and many other properties. Physical properties are
further divided into intensive and extensive properties. An intensive property does not depend on
the size or amount of matter in the object, while an extensive property does depend on the
amount of matter in the object. For example, mass is extensive because the measurement would
change the size of the sample. Boiling point is intensive because the temperature at which the
object boils is not dependent on its volume.
pg. 3
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller LEARNEXAMS. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $20.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
