ANSWER KEY to Question Set 1
What is Matter? Pages 8-9
1) What three different states does matter exist in?
a. Solid, liquid and gas
2) Matter has mass and volume. Identify the units we use to measure these.
a. Mass is measured in grams(g) (base unit), kilograms(kg) and milligrams(mg)
b. Volume is measured in liters(l) (base unit), kiloliters(kl) and milliliters(ml) for
liquids but cubic meters(m3) and cubic centimeters(cm3) for solids and gases
3) Find out how you could calculate the volume of the following items:
a. a block
i. Using a metric ruler or meter stick find the length, width and height and
multiply the three together (l x w x h)
b. a cylinder
i. Using a metric ruler or meter stick find the radius of the circle using the
formula 𝑨 = 𝝅𝒓𝟐 then multiply the circle’s area by the height of the cylinder.
Cylinder volume = 𝝅𝒓𝟐 𝒉
c. a small irregular object (like a nut or bolt)
i. Use water displacement:
1. Place water in a container (graduated cylinder)
2. Measure volume of water
3. Place the object in the water
4. Measure and record the new volume of water
5. Subtract the starting/initial volume of water from the final volume
and record as the object’s volume. Be sure to convert ml to cm3
Where Did Matter Come From? Pages 10-12
1) Use information from this reader and any other information you can find from books, CD’s, or the
Internet to list the evidence for the Big Bang theory.
Many scientists think matter came from the Big Bang, that is all matter and energy exploded out
from one point. As the explosion occurred, the matter spread out through the universe. This
matter formed clouds of gas that cooled and condensed into stars, galaxies, etc. Evidence comes
from scientists’ observations, satellite information, such as that from the Cosmic Background
Explorer(COBE) and the Hubble Space telescope.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=cosmic+background+explorer&FORM=BIFD&adlt=strict#x0y
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2) In science, the term “theory” has a special meaning. Find a definition of this term and give two
examples of other theories that are used in physical science.
A theory is different than a belief in that a theory is backed up by scientific observation and data
collection over time that can be observed and repeated by other scientists.