Grade 9 Unit B: Matter and Chemical Change

Chemical Nature of Matter

1. The particles in matter are always moving (even in solids). When matter is warm, the
particles move faster and when matter is cold, the particles move more slowly.

Investigate and discuss with a group then summarize how matter changes from solid
to liquid to gas. Draw a diagram that explains what happens to the atoms during
these changes.

Element: A basic natural substance Periodic table: A table of chemical

that cannot be broken down into elements organized by atomic mass.
different parts and remain the same.
Each element is made of a specific type Each element is represented by a
of atom. symbol.

Example:
• the symbol for iron is Fe
• iron is automic number 26 on the
periodic table
• iron has an atomic mass of 55.85.

2. Obtain a period table and find iron. Compare it with the information about iron above.

3. Find the following elements on the periodic table. Use the table to find out the
chemical symbol, atomic number and atomic mass of each of the elements. Finally,
identify each element as a metal or non-metal.

• Sodium • Helium • Zinc • Carbon • Magnesium

• Gold • Neon • Copper • Chlorine • Calcium
• Lead • Oxygen • Nickel • Hydrogen • Nitrogen

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 Record the information in a chart like the one below. Add other common elements as
you work through this unit, e.g., aluminum, silicon, sulphur, phosphorous.

Atomic Atomic Metal or

Element Symbol number mass non-metal
Iron Fe 26 55.85 metal

Atoms and Molecules

Atoms of elements may combine to form molecules.

Example: Oxygen gas molecules are made up of two oxygen atoms.

Word equation: oxygen + oxygen oxygen gas
(atom) (atom) (molecule)

Chemical formula: O + O O2

Each of the elements on the periodic table is made up of atoms.

Example:
• sodium is made up of sodium atoms
• carbon is made up of carbon atoms.

Atoms: The particles elements are made of.

Atoms are made up of three particles: protons, neutrons and electrons.

• Protons have a positive charge (+).
• Neutrons have no charge.
. • Electrons have a negative charge (–).

1e
Example: An atom of hydrogen (H) has:
• a nucleus with 1 proton and 1 neutron 1p
1n
• 1 electron in orbit around the nucleus.

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4. Create a diagram or 3-D model that shows the
parts of an atom.

5. Blow up a balloon and rub it on your hair or shirt sleeve.

Place the balloon against a wall. It sticks to the wall
because the positive and negative particles that make up
the balloon and the wall are attracted to each other.

6. Investigate and plan an activity that involves electrical charges, e.g., static
electricity. Demonstrate the activity to your class.

Use Tools Planning an Experiment and

Experiment/Investigation Template I.

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