Chapter U1.6, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Meaning of physical form is to be described.

Concept introduction:

All matter is composed of elements. There are about 115 known elements. These elements combine in specific ratios to form compounds. Elements are denoted by chemical symbols and compounds are denoted by chemical formula. Therefore, all matter is made up of elements, compounds, or mixtures of these.

Answer to Problem 2E

The physical form of any matter is the state in which it is found in nature. It can be either, solid or liquid or gas.

Explanation of Solution

Elements and compounds can occur in different states such as solid, liquid or in the form of gases. These are called phases of matter. So, every matter has a physical form. The physical form of any matter is the state in which it is found in nature. It can be either, solid or liquid or gas.

For example water exists in three phases; as ice (solid), as water (liquid) and as steam (gas). So the physical forms of water are solid, liquid and gas.

These phases of matter are represented by symbols ( s ) for solid, ( l ) for liquid and ( g ) for gas.

There is another physical form of matter called aqueous; denoted as ( aq ). A substance is aqueous when it dissolves in water and form a clear mixture with water. For example; orange juice, vinegar and ocean water form aqueous solutions.

Conclusion

Matter exists in different physical forms in nature. Some substances occur in solid state, some in liquid state and some in gaseous form. Few also exist as aqueous solutions. All these states of matter are called physical forms.