Ch 3: Holt Physical Science Chapter 3: States of Matter & Energy
About This Chapter
How It Works:
- Identify the lessons in the Holt Science Spectrum - Physical Science States of Matter chapter with which you need help.
- Find the corresponding video lessons with this companion course chapter.
- Watch fun videos that cover the matter and energy topics you need to learn or review.
- Complete the quizzes to test your understanding.
- If you need additional help, rewatch the videos until you've mastered the material or submit a question for one of our instructors.
Students will learn:
- The kinetic theory of matter
- States of matter
- Kinetic and thermal energy
- Phase changes
- Characteristics of fluids in physics
- Buoyancy
- Pascal's principle
- The kinetic molecular theory
- The ideal gas law
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1. The Kinetic Theory of Matter: Definition & The Four States of Matter
Everything on Earth is made of matter, but that matter isn't always the same. Matter can exist in four different phases, and the kinetic theory of matter helps us understand the differences between those phases.

2. States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, Gases, & Plasma
Learn the four states of matter in the universe: solid, liquid, gas and plasma. Learn about the differences in shape and volume among the four states, which of the states is the most common and why plasma conducts electricity.

3. Kinetic Energy: Examples & Definition
To knock down a set of bowling pins, what must be true about the bowling ball? It must be moving! This lesson discusses the energy perspective of this simple truth: kinetic energy.

4. What is Thermal Energy? - Definition & Examples
This lesson defines and identifies examples of thermal energy everywhere from your kitchen to the Earth's core. We'll discuss geothermal energy, a renewable energy source, as well.

5. Phase Change: Evaporation, Condensation, Freezing, Melting, Sublimation & Deposition
Substances on Earth can exist in one of four phases, but mostly, they exist in one of three: solid, liquid or gas. Learn the six changes of phase: freezing, melting, condensation, vaporization, sublimation and deposition.

6. Fluids in Physics: Definition and Characteristics
Fluids really know how to move! As flowing materials, fluids have some unique properties that help us understand and describe them. In this lesson you'll explore what fluids are and how they are defined in the world of physics.

7. Buoyancy: Calculating Force and Density with Archimedes' Principle
Knowledge of the buoyant force is important when trying to understand why some objects float while other objects sink. In this lesson you'll learn about this unique force and how we apply it to various situations using Archimedes' Principle.

8. Applications of Pascal's Principle
After watching this lesson, you should be able to explain what Pascal's principle is, including providing the equation that represents it. You should also be able to provide examples of Pascal's principle in action and solve problems using the equation.

9. The Kinetic Molecular Theory: Properties of Gases
What makes a gas ideal? What types of characteristics do ideal gases have? In this lesson, we will discuss the many characteristics of gases and how knowing the microscopic properties of gas particles will help you understand the macroscopic properties of a gas.

10. The Ideal Gas Law and the Gas Constant
Have you ever wondered why the pressure in your car's tires is higher after you have been driving a while? In this lesson, we are going to discuss the law that governs ideal gases and is used to predict the behavior of real gases: the ideal gas law.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Holt Science Spectrum - Physical Science: Online Textbook Help course
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 1: Introduction to Science
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 2: Matter
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 4: Atoms & the Periodic Table
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 5: The Structure of Matter
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 6: Chemical Reactions
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 7: Solutions
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 8: Acids, Bases & Salts
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 9: Nuclear Changes
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 10: Motion
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 11: Forces
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 12: Work & Energy
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 13: Heat & Temperature
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 14: Waves
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 15: Sound & Light
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 16: Electricity
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 17: Magnetism
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 18: Communication Technology
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 19: The Solar System
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 20: The Universe
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 21: Planet Earth
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 22: The Atmosphere
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 23: Using Natural Resources