* Mass is the amount of matter in an object. It's a fundamental property and doesn't change just because the arrangement of the matter changes.
* States of matter are determined by the arrangement and movement of particles.
* Solids: Particles are tightly packed and vibrate in fixed positions.
* Liquids: Particles are closer together than in a gas but can move around each other.
* Gases: Particles are far apart and move freely, colliding with each other and the walls of their container.
Example:
Imagine a block of ice (solid water). If you melt the ice into liquid water, the mass of the water remains the same. If you then boil the water into steam (gaseous water), the mass is still the same. The only thing that changes is the arrangement and movement of the water molecules.
Key Takeaway:
The mass of a substance remains constant regardless of its state. The states of matter only reflect the arrangement and movement of particles within the substance.
