ICSE Matter Notes Class 8
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| ☛ ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 1: Matter Selina Solutions |
| ☛ ICSE Class 8 Physics |
| ☛ ICSE Class 8 Chemistry |
| ☛ ICSE Class 8 Mathematics |
| ☛ ICSE Class 8 Biology |
Physics Matter Notes for Class 8 ICSE
Matter
- Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
- Examples: Iron, Wood, Book, Water, Oil, air, oxygen etc.
Composition of Matter
- Matter is made up of tiny particles called molecules.
- A molecule:
○ Can exist independently
○ Possesses all properties of the substance
Types of Molecules
- Monoatomic: Single atom (e.g., helium, argon)
- Diatomic: Two atoms (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen)
- Polyatomic: More than two atoms (e.g., water, ammonia)
Characteristics of Molecules
1. Molecules are very small
● Size ≈ 10–10 m
● Cannot be seen even with a microscope
2. Molecules have spaces between them
● Space is called intermolecular space
3. Molecules are in constant motion
● Solids → Vibrate at fixed position
● Liquids → Move within container
● Gases → Move freely in all directions
4. Molecules attract each other
● This force is called intermolecular force
● Least in gases, more in liquids, maximum in solids
Types of Molecular Forces
- Force of Cohesion: Attraction between molecules of the same substance.
- Force of Adhesion: Attraction between molecules of different substances.
States of Matter
Three States:
- Solid
- Liquid
- Gas
Molecular Model
1. Solid

In solids, molecules are very closely packed and arranged in a fixed, orderly pattern.
❖ Molecular Characteristics:
- Intermolecular force: Very strong
- Space between molecules: Very small
- Movement: Only vibrate about fixed positions
- Arrangement: Regular and fixed
- Properties: Definiteshape and definite volume.
2. Liquid

In liquids, molecules are close together but not fixed. They can move and slide past each other.
❖ Molecular Characteristics:
- Intermolecular force: Moderate
- Space between molecules: More than solids
- Movement: Free to move (flow)
- Arrangement: Irregular
- Properties: No definite shape (takes container shape), but definite volume.
3. Gas

In gases, molecules are far apart and move freely and rapidly in all directions.
❖ Molecular Characteristics:
- Molecular Arrangement: Molecules are very far apart.
- Structure: No ordered structure.
- Movement: Molecules move fast, randomly, and in all directions.
- Forces: Intermolecular forces are negligible.
- Space between molecules: Maximum
- Properties: No definite shape and no definite volume

Change of State
The process by which a substance changes from one state (solid, liquid, gas) to another at a constant temperature by absorbing or releasing heat is called change of state.

Melting and Melting Point
- Melting: Melting is the process in which a solid changes into a liquid when heated.
- Melting Point: The melting point is the fixed temperature at which a solid converts into a liquid at atmospheric pressure.
- Example: Ice melts into water at 0°C (273 K).
Freezing and Freezing Point
- Freezing (Solidification): Freezing is the process in which a liquid changes into solid on cooling.
- Freezing Point: The freezing point is the temperature at which a liquid begins to convert into a solid when cooled.
- Example: Water freezes into ice at 0°C.
***Note:
For a pure substance, the melting point and freezing point are the same.
Boiling and Boiling Point
- Boiling : The change of a liquid into gas on heating is called boiling (or, vapourisation).
- Boiling point : The temperature at which liquid changes into gas at the atmospheric pressure is called its boiling point.
- Example: Boiling point of water is 100⁰C (373 K).
Condensation
- Condensation is the process in which a gas changes into a liquid on cooling.
- Examples: Formation of water droplets on the outside of a cold glass.
Sublimation
- Sublimation is the process in which a solid directly changes into gas without becoming liquid.
- Example: Dry ice, Ammonium chloride, Iodine, Camphor, Naphthalene.
Deposition
- The process of a gas converting directly into solid is called deposition or solidification
Latent Heat
- During change of state, heat is absorbed or released without any change in temperature. This hidden heat is called latent heat.
Important Point:
- Temperature remains constant during melting/boiling
- Heat is used only to change the state
- Steam at 100°C has more heat than water at 100°C.
Evaporation
Evaporation is the gradual change of a liquid into its vapor at all temperatures (below its boiling point). It is a surface phenomenon and always produces a cooling effect.
Factors Affecting Evaporation
- Temperature: Higher temperature = Faster evaporation.
- Surface Area: Larger exposed area = Faster evaporation.
- Air Flow: Moving air (wind) increases the rate.
- Humidity: Dry air increases evaporation; high humidity decreases it.
- Nature of Liquid: Volatile liquids (like alcohol or spirit) evaporate faster.
Evaporation Causes Cooling
Evaporation causes cooling because liquid particles absorb heat energy from their surroundings to change into vapour.
As a result, the surroundings lose heat and become cooler.
Applications of Evaporation
- Cooling during fever: Wet cloth strips contain water that evaporates from the patient’s forehead. During evaporation, heat is absorbed from the body, which lowers body temperature and helps reduce fever.
- Cooling effect of liquids like acetone/petrol: Substances such as acetone or petrol evaporate quickly from the skin. While evaporating, they absorb heat (latent heat of vaporization) from the palm, producing a cooling sensation.
- Cooling in earthen pots: Earthen pots have tiny pores through which water slowly seeps out and evaporates. This evaporation absorbs heat from the water inside, keeping it cool.
- Body Cooling: Sweating helps maintain body temperature at 37°C (98.6°F) as the evaporation of sweat absorbs heat from the body.
- Tea in a Saucer: A saucer has a larger surface area than a cup, increasing the rate of evaporation and cooling the tea faster.
Differences: Evaporation vs Boiling
| Evaporation | Boiling |
| Occurs at any temperature | Occurs at a fixed temperature (boiling point) |
| It is a slow process | It is a fast process |
| Occurs only at the surface of the liquid | Takes place throughout the liquid |
| No bubbles are formed | Bubbles are formed inside the liquid |
| Causes cooling | Does not cause cooling |
Important Experiments
- Potassium Permanganate Experiment Shows particles are very small and spread in water
- Salt in Water Experiment Shows particles have spaces
- Perfume Spray Shows particles are in motion
ICSE Class 8 Physics Matter Notes PDF Download
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ICSE Class 8 Physics Notes
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