Matter
The nature of matter — atoms, elements, compounds, states of matter and physical properties.
Matter — summary notes
- Matter is anything with mass that occupies space, built from elements (cannot be chemically broken down) and compounds (two or more elements chemically bonded).
- Three states relevant to Part-66: solid (fixed shape and volume), liquid (fixed volume, takes the shape of its container), gas (no fixed shape or volume).
- Changes of state (melting, freezing, boiling, condensation, sublimation) are physical changes — no new substance forms. A chemical change (combustion, corrosion) produces a new substance.
- Density links mass and volume — it's why aircraft materials are chosen by strength-to-weight ratio, not just strength.
- Density
- ρ = m / V (kg/m³)
A titanium bracket has a mass of 0.85 kg and a volume of 1.9 × 10⁻⁴ m³. Find its density.
ρ = m / V = 0.85 / (1.9 × 10⁻⁴) = 4,474 kg/m³ — consistent with titanium alloys (~4,500 kg/m³), confirming the part is titanium and not aluminium (~2,700 kg/m³).
Matter concept map
Matter
Matter quiz
Matter
1. The three particles that make up an atom are:
2. Which particle carries a positive charge?
3. Which particle carries a negative charge?
4. Which particle has no charge?
5. Protons and neutrons are found in the:
6. Electrons orbit the:
7. An atom that has lost or gained electrons becomes an:
8. Most of an atom's mass is in the:
9. The atomic number equals the number of:
10. A neutral atom has equal numbers of:
11. The lightest subatomic particle is the:
12. The charge on a neutron is:
13. The three states of matter are:
14. A solid has:
15. A liquid has: