Physical Science Part 2Physical Science Part 2Measuring MatterMeasuring Matter

Abney Elementary

The 3 physical properties of matter are mass, volume, and density

A person in outer space is said to be "weightless", but the person's mass doesn't change.

Why is the mass of the person in both places the same?

◦The person contains the same amount of matter in both places

A person is made up of matter. The matter in a person makes up their mass.

Some matter takes up a large space but has a small mass.

An example:

◦A balloon can be very large, but be so light that it can float in the air. 

◦A brick can be smaller than some balloons, but it has more mass.

A persons mass does not change unless they lose matter.

A person’s weight is the measure of the gravitational pull on that person.

To measure mass, we use a pan balance.

Grams and Kilograms are the units used to measure mass.

Volume is the amount of space that matter takes up

Scientists use a beaker or a tall cylinder to measure volume.

Volume is calculated using the formula ◦L x W X H (LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT)

You can find the volume of odd shaped objects by sinking them into water.  The change in water level gives the volume of the solid.

In order to find the volume of a liquid, you can pour the liquid into a container marked with milliliters.

Density compares the amount of matter in an object to the amount of space it takes up.

(Density = mass divided by volume.)

When you compare the density of a balloon to the density of a brick:◦The gas in a balloon has a low density. ◦The density of the brick is much higher.

To measure density you divide the mass by the volume.

THE END