TEKS: 5.6A The student is expected to compare and contrast matter based on measurable, testable, or observable physical properties
Before reading the question: Many questions give you incomplete information and ask you to fill in the gaps. This is most common in questions with a long scenario or complex image. Spend some time just thinking about the text or image. What stands out to you as important? What relationships can you see in the pieces of information? Is there anything missing? These are all conclusions you can draw that will make answering the question easier.
Mass is the amount of matter in an object. You can use a balance to measure mass.
Volume is the amount of space an object or material occupies. A graduated cylinder measures the volume of a liquid.
Mass and weight may seem like the same thing, but in fact these two measurements are very different. Mass is the total amount of matter, or "stuff," in an object. Weight is the force of gravity on an object. Mass always stays the same, but weight can change depending on how much gravity is acting upon an object.
Magnetism is a force that pulls together or pushes apart certain metal objects.
Density is the mass of a certain volume of matter. If an object is more dense than water, it will sink. If it is less dense than water, it will float.
Solids are objects that particles are tightly packed together. Liquids are objects that particles are loosely arranged, while gases are objects that particles are spread far apart.
Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve into another substance. Examples: salt, sugar, baking soda, drink powder