ICSE Class 8 Physics Matter Notes PDF Download | Complete Chapter Notes

ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 1 Matter Notes

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ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 1: Matter Selina Solutions
☛ ICSE Class 8 Physics
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  • Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
  • Examples: Iron, Wood, Book, Water, Oil, air, oxygen etc.
  • Matter is made up of tiny particles called molecules.
  • A molecule:
    ○ Can exist independently
    ○ Possesses all properties of the substance
  • Monoatomic: Single atom (e.g., helium, argon)
  • Diatomic: Two atoms (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen)
  • Polyatomic: More than two atoms (e.g., water, ammonia)

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

  • Force of Cohesion: Attraction between molecules of the same substance.
  • Force of Adhesion: Attraction between molecules of different substances.

Three States:

  1. Solid
  2. Liquid
  3. Gas

1. Solid

ICSE Class 8 Physics Matter img1

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

ICSE Class 8 Physics Matter

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

ICSE Class 8 Physics Matter img1

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 
ICSE Class 8 Physics Matter

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.

ICSE Class 8 Physics Matter img4 1
  • 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 (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.

For a pure substance, the melting point and freezing point are the same.

  • 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 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 is the process in which a solid directly changes into gas without becoming liquid.
  • Example: Dry ice, Ammonium chloride, Iodine, Camphor, Naphthalene.
  • The process of a gas converting directly into solid is called deposition or solidification
  • During change of state, heat is absorbed or released without any change in temperature. This hidden heat is called latent heat.
  • 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 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.

  • 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 because liquid particles absorb heat energy from their surroundings to change into vapour.
As a result, the surroundings lose heat and become cooler.

  • 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.
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
  • 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

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ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 1 – Matter Notes
ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 2 – Physical Quantities and Measurement Notes
ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 3 – Force and Pressure Notes
ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 4 –  Energy Notes
ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 5 – Light Energy Notes
ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 6 – Heat Transfer Notes
ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 7 – Sound Notes
ICSE Class 8 Physics Chapter 8 – Electricity Notes

Students can visit the official CISCE website for more details and updates.