Science Basics: States of Matter and Water Cycle

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.