Science Class 8 Chapter 8 Nature of Matter helps students understand how substances combine, how they can be separated, and how their physical and chemical properties differ. It also introduces the importance of pure substances and alloys in everyday life.
Everything around us – air, water, soil, and even our body – is made of matter. Matter exists in different forms and is composed of tiny particles. These particles combine in different ways to form elements, compounds, and mixtures.
Nature of Matter Worksheet
Our worksheets include different types of practice questions like MCQs, fill in the blanks, true or false, and short and long answers. Based on the latest curriculum, they help students think critically through concept-based activities, easy experiments, and real-life examples, making learning meaningful and effective.
With our engaging and well-structured worksheets, students can reinforce their classroom learning, prepare for exams, and develop a strong foundation in science.
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Science Class 8 Chapter 8 Study Notes
What Is Matter?
- Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
- Light, sound, heat, and emotions are not matter.
Mixtures
Definition: A mixture is formed when two or more substances are mixed without any chemical change.
Properties:
- Components retain their individual properties.
- They can be separated by physical methods.
Types:
- Uniform (Homogeneous) – Components are evenly mixed (e.g., air, sugar solution).
- Non-uniform (Heterogeneous) – Components are visible separately (e.g., salad, sand and water).
- Examples: Poha, sprout salad, air, soda water, seawater, alloys.
Pure Substances
Definition: A substance made up of only one kind of particles.
Two types:
- Elements – Simplest pure substances made of one kind of atom.
- Compounds – Substances formed by chemical combination of two or more elements in fixed ratios.
Elements
Examples: Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, Gold, Silver.
Types:
- Metals: Iron, Aluminium, Copper.
- Non-metals: Oxygen, Sulfur, Carbon.
- Metalloids: Silicon, Boron (show properties of both).
Compounds
- Formed when elements combine chemically in a fixed ratio.
- Cannot be separated by physical means.
Examples:
- Water (H₂O) → Hydrogen + Oxygen (2:1)
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl) → Sodium + Chlorine (1:1)
Properties: Different from their constituent elements.
Nature of Matter Question Answers
Q1. Define matter with two examples.
Ans: Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
Examples: Air, water, stone, wood.
Q2. What is a mixture? Give one example.
Ans: A mixture is formed when two or more substances are mixed physically without any chemical change, and each substance retains its own properties.
Example: Sugar dissolved in water.
Q3. Differentiate between uniform and non-uniform mixtures.
Ans: Uniform (Homogeneous) Mixture: Components are evenly distributed and cannot be seen separately.
Example: Salt solution.
Non-uniform (Heterogeneous) Mixture: Components are not evenly mixed and can be seen separately.
Example: Sand and water.
Q4. What is a pure substance?
Ans: A pure substance is a material that contains only one kind of particle and has a fixed composition.
Examples: Oxygen, gold, water.
Q5. Explain the formation and properties of iron sulfide.
Ans: When iron filings and sulfur powder are mixed, they form a mixture where both substances can still be seen separately. However, when this mixture is heated strongly, a chemical reaction takes place and a new substance called iron sulfide (FeS) is formed.
Formation Reaction: Iron + Sulfur → Iron Sulfide
Properties of Iron Sulfide
- It is black in colour.
- It is not attracted by a magnet, unlike iron.
- Cannot be separated into iron and sulfur by physical methods.
- It reacts with acids to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs.