Science 8 Comprehensive Notes About
Matter
1. Matter and Its Properties
Definition and Importance
Matter is anything that has mass (can be measured on a scale) and takes up space
(occupies volume). It is the physical substance that makes up everything in the universe,
including solids like rocks, liquids like water, and gases like air.
Why is Matter Important? Understanding matter helps scientists develop new
materials, medicines, and technologies. It explains why objects behave the way they do,
how materials interact, and how changes in matter affect the world.
States of Matter
1. Solid – Has a definite shape and volume because its particles are tightly packed and
vibrate in place.
o Example: Ice is solid because its molecules are frozen in place.
o Application: Buildings, bridges, and tools are made of solid materials to maintain
their shape.
2. Liquid – Has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container; particles move freely.
o Example: Water in a cup stays the same amount but changes shape.
o Application: Liquids like gasoline are used in vehicles because they flow easily.
3. Gas – No definite shape or volume; particles move freely and spread out to fill space.
o Example: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen in the air.
o Application: Gases power engines (steam), inflate balloons, and allow breathing.
4. Plasma – A high-energy state where atoms lose electrons; found in stars and lightning.
o Example: The Sun is mostly plasma because of intense heat.
o Application: Plasma is used in neon signs and TVs.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Properties describe characteristics that can be observed or measured without
changing the substance:
o Color – What color is it? (Example: Copper is reddish-brown.)
o Density – How tightly packed are its particles? (Example: Oil is less dense than
water, so it floats.)
o Melting Point & Boiling Point – At what temperature does it change state?
(Example: Ice melts at 0°C.)
Chemical Properties describe how a substance reacts with other substances:
o Flammability – Can it catch fire? (Example: Wood burns but water does not.)
o Reactivity – Does it change when mixed? (Example: Vinegar reacts with baking
soda to produce gas.)
Changes in Matter
Physical Change: The substance remains the same even though its form changes.
o Example: Cutting paper, melting ice, dissolving sugar in water.
Chemical Change: Produces a new substance with different properties.
o Example: Burning wood creates ashes, rusting metal changes iron to iron oxide.
2. Atomic Structure
Atoms and Their Components
Atoms are the building blocks of matter—everything is made of atoms.
They consist of:
o Protons (+ charge, located in the nucleus, determines the element’s identity).
o Neutrons (neutral charge, helps stabilize the nucleus).
o Electrons (- charge, orbits the nucleus, responsible for chemical reactions).
Elements and the Periodic Table
Elements are pure substances made up of only one kind of atom (Example: Oxygen (O),
Gold (Au)).
The Periodic Table organizes elements based on:
o Atomic Number (number of protons).
o Groups (vertical columns with similar properties, like metals or gases).
o Periods (horizontal rows showing increasing atomic numbers).
Isotopes and Ions
Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons (Example:
Carbon-12 and Carbon-14).
Ions: Atoms that gain or lose electrons, becoming charged particles (Example: Na⁺
loses an electron and becomes positive).
3. Forces and Motion
Newton’s Laws of Motion
1. Law of Inertia: Objects resist changes in their motion unless acted upon by an external
force.
o Example: A rolling ball continues moving until friction stops it.
2. Force and Acceleration: More force causes more acceleration (F = ma).
o Example: A strong push moves a bicycle faster than a weak push.
3. Action and Reaction: For every action, there is an opposite reaction.
o Example: If you jump off a boat, the boat moves backward.
Types of Forces
Gravity – Pulls objects toward Earth (Example: Why things fall).
Friction – Slows objects down (Example: Rubbing hands together makes heat).
Electromagnetic Force – Affects charged particles (Example: Magnets attract metal).
Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration
Speed: How fast something moves (Speed = Distance ÷ Time).
Velocity: Speed with direction (Example: 10 m/s north).
Acceleration: Change in velocity over time (Acceleration = ΔVelocity ÷ Time).
4. Energy and Its Forms
Types of Energy
Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion (Example: A moving car).
Potential Energy: Stored energy (Example: A stretched rubber band).
Thermal Energy: Energy from heat (Example: Boiling water).
Electrical Energy: Energy from charged particles (Example: Batteries).
Light Energy: Travels in waves (Example: Sunlight).
Chemical Energy: Stored in chemical bonds (Example: Food, fuel).
Energy Transfer
Conduction – Direct contact heat transfer (Example: Heating a spoon).
Convection – Heat transfer through fluids (Example: Boiling water).
Radiation – Heat transfer through waves (Example: Sunlight warming Earth).
Law of Conservation of Energy
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred.
5. Earth and Space Science
Layers of the Earth
Crust – Outer solid layer.
Mantle – Semi-solid rock, responsible for tectonic movement.
Outer Core – Liquid metals generating Earth’s magnetic field.
Inner Core – Solid metal due to pressure.
Celestial Bodies
Planets, Moons, Stars, Galaxies.
The Sun is a massive nuclear reactor producing heat and light.
6. Ecosystems and Ecology
Ecosystem Components
Biotic Factors – Living things (Example: Trees, animals).
Abiotic Factors – Non-living things (Example: Water, sunlight).
Food Chains and Webs
Producers (Plants, make food via photosynthesis).
Consumers (Herbivores, carnivores, omnivores).
Decomposers (Fungi, bacteria, break down dead matter).
Human Impact
Deforestation – Destroys animal habitats.
Pollution – Harms air, water, and land.
Climate Change – Causes extreme weather.
