Science Basics: States of Matter and Water Cycle

Study Notes

States of Matter

Matter exists in three primary states: solid, liquid, and gas.
Solid: Has a definite shape and volume, particles are closely packed together.
Liquid: Has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container, particles are less tightly packed than in solids.
Gas: Has neither a definite shape nor volume, particles are far apart and move freely.

Living Organisms and Air

All living organisms, such as humans, animals, and many plants, require air (specifically oxygen) to survive.
Air is essential for processes like respiration, which provides energy for growth and sustenance.

Water Cycle

The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.
Key processes include:
- Evaporation: Water changes from liquid to vapor.
- Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
- Precipitation: Water falls to Earth in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Collection: Water gathers in bodies of water, returning to lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Phases of Water

Water vapour is a gas, not visible and exists in the air.
Water is a liquid, commonly found in lakes, oceans, and rivers.
Ice is a solid, formed when water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

States of Matter

Matter exists in three primary states: solid, liquid, and gas.
Solids have a definite shape and volume, molecules are closely packed.
Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, molecules are less tightly packed.
Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume, molecules are widely spaced and move freely.

Need for Air

Many living organisms, including humans and animals, require air to survive.
Air contains oxygen, essential for respiration in aerobic organisms.

Water Cycle

The water cycle is a continuous process of water movement through the environment.
Key components include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Water evaporates from surfaces, condenses into clouds, precipitates as rain or snow, and collects in bodies of water.

Properties of Water

Water exists in three states: gas (water vapor), liquid (water), and solid (ice).
Water vapor is the gaseous state of water.
Water is the liquid state, essential for life.
Ice is the solid state of water, formed when temperatures are low enough.

Types of Water

Saltwater is found in oceans and seas, containing a significant amount of dissolved salt.
Freshwater refers to water with low concentrations of salt, found in streams, rivers, and lakes.
The sea has saltwater, while the ocean also contains saltwater.
Streams and rivers typically have freshwater.

Description

Test your understanding of the basic states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas, while also exploring the water cycle. Fill in the blanks and label the key components to demonstrate your knowledge. Perfect for early science learners!