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 Matter in Our Surroundings

Characteristics of Matter
Matter-In Depth

Matter can be defined as anything that has both mass and volume and occupies a certain
space in the universe. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, the clothes
we wear, the different plants and animals, stones, sand, etc., are all examples of matter.

Matter and non-matter: Matter can be distinguished from non-matter in terms of mass,
volume, and space it occupies. A chair, a computer, a car, and a bridge are all examples of
matter. Each of them has mass and volume, and also occupies space. Non-matter, on the
other hand, cannot be measured in terms of mass and volume. It does not occupy any space
either. Examples of non-matter include thirst, anger, love, and smell.

Can air be classified as matter?

Though air is invisible and intangible, it does have mass and volume. But it occupies space.
Hence, air can be classified as matter.

Examples of matter and non-matter

Matter Non-matter
Air, building, animal, plant, water, fruit, Cold, hot, big, small, anger, love, song,
vegetable, chair, table, computer, car, book, lecture
pen, pencil, bag
Know More

We measure the mass of matter, and not its weight. This is because the mass of matter is
constant, but its weight can vary from place to place. To calculate the weight of any object,
we multiply its mass with the acceleration due to gravity (g) which varies from place to
place. Consequently, the weight of the object varies as well.

The SI unit of mass is kilogram.

The CGS unit of mass is gram.

The FPS unit of mass is pound.

The SI unit of volume is cubic metre (m3).

The common unit of measuring volume is litre.

 1 L = 1000 mL = 1 dm³
Characteristics of Matter

Let us investigate the characteristics of matter.

By now we know that the nature of matter is particulate and not continuous. The particles
of matter have certain characteristics. The characteristics of particles of matter are as
follows:

 Matter is made up of extremely small particles called atoms. Atom is the smallest
possible unit of matter that exhibits all the properties of that matter.
 When atoms combine with one another, minute particles are formed, which
are called molecules.
 The particles of matter have spaces between them.
 The particles of matter are in continuous motion.
 The particles of matter attract one another.

The Phlogiston Theory

 It was used to explain the combustion reactions during the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries.
 According to it,"any material undergoing combustion mainly contains a mysterious matter
called phlogiston and also some clax."
 When a substance is burnt, the phlogiston goes into the surrounding and the clax is left as
ash.
 During the burning of a candle in a closed container, the air present inside the container
becomes saturated with phlogiston. No further phlogiston can be accommodated in the air
and as a result, the candle gets extinguished.

Whiz Kid

While preparing sugar syrup, we dissolve sugar in water. However, after adding a
certain amount of sugar, we observe that sugar does not dissolve anymore and gets
settled at the bottom of the container. Why is it so?

The water is able to dissolve only up to a certain amount of sugar particles. Once its
maximum capacity for dissolving the sugar particles is reached, it does not dissolve any
more of them. In other words, there is no space left between the water particles to
accommodate any more sugar particles. So, any additional sugar added simply settles at the
bottom of the container.

Know More

Gas pressure
 Particles of gas always move with high speed. Pressure is created when gaseous particles
hit the walls of the container in which they are enclosed.

For example, you must have observed that the continuous blowing of a balloon causes it to
burst. This is because the gas particles put pressure on the inner walls of the balloon.
Excess blowing in of air increases the number of gas particles inside the balloon. As a
result, the pressure of the gas increases and, ultimately, the balloon bursts.

The Solid State

States of Matter-An Overview

We know that everything is made up of matter, yet things exist in different forms. What
makes things look different from one another?

Matter is a broad umbrella covering different sub-categories which we know as the states
of matter.

The view of the hills during winters is ideal for observing the three main states of matter—
solid, liquid and gas. Here, you can see heavy clouds which are nothing but collections of
vapourised water particles. You can also see liquid water falling from these same clouds as
rain. And of course, there is the dusting of snow which is in fact solidified water.

The different states of matter are:

 Solid
 Liquid
 Gaseous
 Plasma
 Bose-Einstein condensate

The Solid State

Matter is said to be solid if it has a fixed shape and a fixed volume. For example, a pen. It
has a fixed shape and a fixed volume; hence, it is solid. Matter that does not have a fixed
shape is not solid, as is the case with water. The particles of solids have a minimum or no
kinetic energy and therefore the particles do not have any movement. The intermolecular
spaces between the particles of solid are very small due to stronger attraction among the
particles. Solids, therefore, cannot be compressed.

Activity Time
 Procedure: Collect a pen, a book, and a
needle. Trace the shapes of these materials in a notebook and compare the tracings. Also,
try compressing each material.

Result: When you compare the tracings, you will observe that each material has a distinct
shape and boundary. When you try compressing the materials, you will observe that each
material has negligible [[mn: glossary]]compressibility[[/mn: glossary]].

Conclusions: The following conclusions can be made about a solid.

 It has a fixed shape, fixed volume, and a fixed boundary.

 There are very little intermolecular spaces in a solid. Hence, it has a tendency to maintain
its shape. This means that it has negligible compressibility.
 It is rigid. It may break under force, but it is difficult to change its shape.
 It rarely diffuses in another solid. Example- Diffusion of chalk powder on a blackboard.
This is the reason why it is difficult to clean (rub) a used blackboard that has not been
cleaned for several days.

Whiz Kid

Solids have the following forms.

 Crystalline: Calcite (rhombic), fluorite (octahedral) and quartz (hexagonal) are crystalline
solids.
 Polycrystalline: Metals are polycrystalline solids.
 Amorphous: Glass is an amorphous solid.
 Polymeric: Natural rubber is a polymeric solid.

It is possible to stretch certain substances without breaking them. These substances are
made up of long chains of atoms bonded together (usually carbon atoms bonded by
covalent bonds). These substances are called polymeric substances. This is why the shape
of rubber changes when stretched even though it is solid.
Did You Know?
Although sponge is solid, it can be bent and squeezed. Sponge has minute holes on its
surface. Air is trapped in these holes. This air is expelled as we press or squeeze sponge.
This makes it possible to bend and squeeze sponge.
The Solid State

The following diagram illustrates the properties of a solid.

The Liquid State

Unlike a solid, a liquid has no fixed shape. However, it does have a fixed volume. It takes the
shape of the container in which it is kept. For example, water does not have a fixed shape,
but its volume is fixed. When a certain volume of water is poured into a container, it takes
the shape of the container, but its volume remains the same. On the other hand, a pen
(which is a solid) has a fixed shape and volume. A liquid is not rigid, i.e., it flows freely. The
intermolecular spaces in a liquid are greater than in case of a solid. Hence, a liquid has
more compressibility than a solid. The particles of liquids have more kinetic energy than
solid particles and therefore has greater speed than solid particles.

Characteristics of a liquid on the basis of the particle nature of matter

 A liquid does not have a fixed shape. It takes the shape of the container in which it is kept.
 A liquid has a fixed volume.
 It is not rigid, i.e., it flows freely.
 It has more compressibility than a solid. So, it can easily diffuse in other liquids.
 In most cases, the density of a substance in the liquid state is lesser than its density in the
solid state.

Usually liquids have lower density than solids, yet ice floats in water.
Can you say why?

Ice is lighter than water since a particular mass of ice occupies more space than the same
mass of water. In ice, water molecules are closely packed because of the tight bonding
between them. This makes ice lighter than water.

Know More

Solids, liquids and gases can diffuse in liquids. The dissolution of salt or sugar in water and
the dissolution of ink in water are examples of the same. Gases such as oxygen and carbon
dioxide diffuse and dissolve in water bodies. It is because of these gases that aquatic plants
and animals are able to survive underwater.

This high rate of diffusion in liquids is because of the fact that a liquid has larger
intermolecular spaces.
Did You Know?

Bronze, an alloy, expands when its state changes from liquid to solid. This property of
bronze is utilized in moulding statues.

The Liquid State

The following diagram illustrates the properties of a liquid.

The Gaseous State

A gas neither has a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. Hence, it does not have a fixed
boundary. It can flow in all directions and can be easily compressed. In a given space, the
number of particles in a gas is lesser than in the case of a solid or a liquid. The constituent
particles of a gas show a random motion because of the presence of large spaces between
them. Consequently, the kinetic energy of the particles in a gas is more than in the case of a
solid or a liquid. Due to the large distances between the particles, the forces of attraction
between them are very low or negligible.

Activity Time

Procedure: Take three 100 mL syringes and remove their pistons. Close the nozzles of the
syringes with rubber corks. Fill one syringe with chalk powder and another with water.
Now, reinsert the pistons and push them.
Result: The force required to push the pistons of syringes containing chalk powder and
water will be greater than that required to push the piston of the syringe containing air.

The Gaseous State

The following diagram illustrates the properties of a gas.

Differentiating between the Three States of Matter

Differentiating the Three States of Matter

Solid Liquid Gas

 Definite shape No definite shape No definite shape
Occupies space Occupies space Occupies space
Definite volume Definite volume No definite volume
Cannot be compressed Slightly compressible Highly compressible
Rigid Not rigid Not rigid
Does not diffuse in other Can diffuse in other Can diffuse in other
solids liquids gases

Solved Examples

Easy

Questions Solid Liquid Gas

Does it occupy space?
Does it have a definite volume?
Can it be compressed?
Does it take the shape of the container enclosing
it?
Can it diffuse in a like state of matter?

Example 1: Answer the questions with a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No’ for each of the three states of
matter.

Solution:

Questions Solid Liquid Gas

Does it occupy space? Yes Yes Yes

Does it have a definite volume? Yes Yes No

Can it be compressed? No Yes Yes

 Does it take the shape of the container enclosing
No Yes Yes
it?
Can it diffuse in a like state of matter? No Yes Yes

Differentiating the Three States of Matter

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 2:Identify the state I’m in.

Object State
Glass Bose-Einstein condensate
Welding arc Solid
Liquid helium Gas
Mercury Plasma
Fog Liquid

Solution:

i → b; ii → d; iii → a; iv → e; v → c

Medium

Example 3:

Guess who I am.

i) The container I’m placed in does not matter. My shape does not change. I’m _______.

ii) I’m flexible and particles can move with some speed. I’m _______.

iii) I possess highest kinetic energy and my particles move with high speed. I’m
_______.

iv) I’m charged and have high temperature. I’m _______.

Solution:

(i) solid
 (ii) liquid

(iii) gas

(iv) plasma

The Plasma and The Bose-Einstein Condensate

Plasma

This state of matter comprises super-energetic and super-excited particles. It was

discovered in Crookes tube by Sir William Crookes in 1879.

Here are a few examples of plasma.

The sun, Fluorescent lights, Neon signs, Nebulae

Characteristics of plasma

 It is the most common state of matter found in the universe.

 Like a gas, it does not have a definite shape and volume.
 It is found in the sun, the stars, the interstellar space and the intergalactic space.
 High temperature is needed to maintain the ionization of the particles of plasma.
 Plasma is influenced by electric and magnetic fields.

Know Your Scientist

Sir William Crookes (1832−1919)

Sir William Crookes was a chemist and physicist of British origin. He is

credited with the invention of Crookes tube. He discovered thallium and also identified the
first known sample of helium. He developed Crookes tube to investigate cathode rays. In
the course of his investigation, he discovered plasma—the fourth state of matter.

The Bose−Einstein condensate was discovered by Albert Einstein and S.N. Bose in
1924−25.

Characteristics of the Bose−Einstein condensate

 It consists of super-unenergetic and super-cold particles.
 It is formed when a gas of extremely low density is cooled to an extremely low pressure.
 It can be created with few elements. Rubidium is one such element.

The following properties are exhibited by Bose−Einstein condensate

 Superfluidity: It is the property by virtue of which matter shows frictionless flow at

temperature near 0 K.
 Superconductivity: It is the property by virtue of which matter shows zero electrical
resistance when cooled below a specified temperature.

Examples of Bose-Einstein Condensate are:

 Helium-4 cooled below 2.17 K

 A gas of rubidium atoms

Know Your Scientist

Satyendra Nath Bose (1894−1974)

Satyendra Nath Bose was a physicist of Indian origin. He specialized in

mathematical physics. He is known for his collaborative theory on the Bose−Einstein
Condensate—the fifth state of matter. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1954.

Albert Einstein (1879−1955)

Albert Einstein (1879−1955) was a physicist of German origin. He is

credited with the development of the theory of relativity that revolutionized studies in
physics. He is known as ‘the father of modern physics’. His works include derivation of
relationship between energy and mass as
 E = mc2 (where, E = energy, m = mass of a body and c = velocity of light). He received the
Nobel Prize in Physics in the year 1921 for his contributions to physics and for the
discovery of the laws of photoelectric effect.
Change of State-An Overview
In daily life, we see different kinds of changes in the states of matter. The formation
of ice cubes from water in the refrigerator is an example of a change in the state of
matter from liquid to solid. When water is boiled, vapours are formed. This is an
example of change in the state of matter from liquid to gas.

The following terminologies are used to describe the changes in the states of matter.

 Change from the solid state to the liquid state is called melting.
 Change from the liquid state to the solid state is called freezing.
 Change from the liquid state to the gaseous state is called vapourisation.
 Change from the gaseous state to the liquid state is called condensation.

There are two other changes between the three states of matter—sublimation and
deposition.

Sublimation: It is the process in which a substance changes directly from the solid state to
the gaseous state without entering into the liquid state. The changing of snow into water
vapour is an example of sublimation. Some common examples of substances that sublime
are dry ice, camphor, and naphthalene.

Deposition: It is the process opposite to sublimation. In this, a substance changes directly

from the gaseous state to the solid state. Frost is an example of deposition.

Did You Know?

When we open the refrigerator, we see freezing fog. This is nothing but condensed
water.

Air contains vapours. When we open the refrigerator, the temperature comes down. This
condenses the vapours into tiny drops of water and produces freezing fog.
Temperature Affecting the Change of State

Let us perform an activity to understand the effect of temperature on the different states of
matter.

Procedure: Take about 150 g of ice in a beaker and use a laboratory thermometer to note
the temperature of ice. Start heating the beaker on a low flame and record the temperature
 when the ice starts melting. Observe the temperature when all the ice gets converted into
water. Stir the water with a glass rod till it starts boiling.

Result: In the beginning, the temperature of ice is below 0°C. When ice begins melting, the
temperature is recorded to be 0°C. Temperature remains constant at 0°C untill all the ice
melts. The continued heating of water causes its temperature to rise.

Conclusion: It can be concluded from this activity that an increase in temperature changes
a substance from its solid state to its liquid state, and further heating (i.e., further increase
in temperature) changes the liquid so formed into vapour.

Temperature Affecting the Change of State

You know that matter, irrespective of its state, consists of particles. What happens to these
particles of matter while it is undergoing a change in its state? For us to understand this,
we need to first know that:

 The particles of matter possess kinetic energy.

 A force of attraction exists between any two particles.

Kinetic energy of the particles of matter: A moving particle/object possesses a certain

amount of energy because of its motion. This energy is called kinetic energy. The particles
of matter are in constant motion. Therefore, they possess kinetic energy.

Particle-particle force of attraction: Every particle of matter attracts the particles near it.
An increase in the distance between particles decreases the force of attraction between
them. Conversely, a decrease in distance increases this force of attraction.

The given figure shows the kinetic energy of particles and the particle-particle force of
attraction in the three states of matter.

Kinetic energy of particles: Gas > Liquid > Solid

Particle−particle force of attraction: Solid > Liquid > Gas

Temperature Affecting the Change of State

When a solid substance is heated, there is an increase in the kinetic energy of its
constituent particles. As a result, the particles start vibrating with greater speed. This extra
energy helps the particles to overcome the particle-particle force of attraction. Soon, they
leave their positions and start moving more freely. Consequently, the substance melts into
its liquid state. This is known as melting point. The melting point of ice is 0°C.

Liquids have a characteristic temperature at which they turn into solids. This is
called freezing point. The freezing point of water is 0°C.

Further heating increases the kinetic energy of the liquid particles. This increases the
velocity of the particles. At a certain temperature, they obtain enough energy to break free
from the particle-particle force of attraction. At this point, the liquid changes into its
gaseous state. This is known as boiling point. The boiling point of water is 100°C.

During the conversion of ice into water, the temperature remains constant until all the ice
melts into water. The supplied heat is used up for changing water from its solid state to its
liquid state. The heat energy is absorbed by the ice without showing any rise in
temperature. This heat energy is called latent heat.

The amount of heat required to convert 1 kg of a solid into its liquid state without a change
in temperature (i.e., at its melting point) is called latent heat of fusion. For ice, the latent
heat of fusion is 334 kJ kg−1. This implies 334 kJ of heat has to be provided to convert 1 kg
of ice at 0°C into 1 kg of water at 0°C. Conversely, 334 kJ of heat is released when 1 kg of
water freezes at 0°C to give 1 kg of ice at 0°C.

Know More

Latent heat of vapourization is the amount of heat required to convert 1 kg of a liquid

into its vapour state without a change in temperature. For water, the latent heat of
vapourization is 2260 kJ kg−1. This means that 2260 kJ of heat must be provided to convert
1 kg of water at 100°C into 1 kg of vapour at 100°C. Conversely, 2260 kJ of heat is released
when 1 kg of water vapour condenses at 100°C to give 1 kg of water at 100°C.

Heating curve

If the increase in temperature during heating and the absorbed heat are plotted on a graph,
then the curvature which is formed is called the heating curve.

In the figure, ‘A’ represents the rise in the temperature of the substance in its solid state
from
−50ºC to 0°C; ‘B’ shows the latent heat of fusion; ‘C’ shows the increase in the temperature
of the substance in its liquid state from 0°C to 100°C; ‘D’ shows the latent heat of
vapourisation, and ‘E’ shows the increase in the temperature of the substance in its gaseous
state.

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1:

If the melting point of a solid is high, then the __________ between the particles is
stronger.

Solution:
force of attraction

Medium

Example 2:

Which has more energy: solid wax at 42°C or liquid wax at 42°C?

Solution:

Liquid wax at 42°C has more energy than solid wax at the same temperature.

Hard

Example 3:

Choose the process which will absorb heat/energy from the surroundings.

A.Conversion of ice into water

B.Conversion of water vapour into snow

C.Precipitation of water vapour as rain

Solution:

The correct answer is A.

Temperature Affecting the Change of State

Measuring Temperature

Three scales are commonly used for measuring temperature, namely, the Celsius scale,
the Fahrenheit scale, and the Kelvin scale.

The relation between the Celsius and the Kelvin scale can be expressed as C + 273 = K

The relation between the Celsius and the Fahrenheit scale can be expressed as follows:
 Example: 30°C can be expressed as 303 K and 86 oF.

Celsius to Kelvin: 30 + 273 = 303 K

Celsius to Fahrenheit:

Did You Know?

Cool Facts

 The temperature zero Kelvin is known as absolute zero. Nothing can be colder than zero
Kelvin.
 Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. Its temperature is −78.5°C. It turns directly into carbon
dioxide gas without undergoing a liquid phase. Its sublimation characteristic and super-
cold temperature make dry ice suitable for refrigeration. It is commonly used to export
frozen materials across long distances.

Whiz Kid

Take some ammonium chloride salt in a china dish. Crush the salt and cover the dish with a
funnel, as shown in the figure. Plug the stem of the funnel using some cotton. After this,
start heating the dish slowly using a burner.
Result of the activity:

Upon heating, ammonium chloride will vapourise without transforming into its liquid form
(sublimation). Later, the vapours will get cooled on the walls of the funnel and will
directly convert into solid ammonium chloride (deposition).

Note: The same activity can be done using camphor or naphthalene.

Pressure Affecting the Change of State

We know that change in temperature affects the state of matter. Change in pressure, too,
affects the state of matter. Let us see how.

We have a gas in a closed container. Say, we put some weight on the lid of the container.
This increases the pressure on the container, which in turn causes the gas particles to come
close to one another. As a result, the kinetic energy of the particles reduces. Nevertheless,
the particles are still quite far away from one another and, hence, are still in the gaseous
state. When the pressure on the container is increased further, the gas particles come very
close to one another. Gradually, the gas liquefies.

Did You Know?

Water boils below 100°C (at approx. 92°C) in Mussoorie.

Mussoorie is a hill station set at a height of about 2000 m above sea level. Atmospheric
pressure decreases as you go up from the sea level. Decrease in pressure lowers the boiling
point of water below 100°C.
Whiz Kid

Liquid crystals are believed to be an independent state of matter as their properties lie in
between those of liquids and solid crystals. They exist in a specific temperature range. They
behave as solids below that temperature range and as liquids above that temperature
range.
Know More
 Why we need to liquefy gases

Together with low temperature, high pressure is generally used to liquefy gases.

A highly combustible gas is released during the fractional distillation of crude oil. This gas
is known as petroleum gas. Petroleum gas is also trapped over the reserves of oil present
beneath Earth’s crust. Petroleum gas is liquefied by applying high pressure and low
temperature. This is known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. LPG is used as a domestic
fuel.

Other uses of liquefaction of gases

 Liquefaction of gases is helpful for their easy storage and transportation.

 Liquefied gases can be used in various fields; for example, in air conditioning and
refrigeration systems (gases used are liquid ammonia and liquid sulphur dioxide).
 Liquid oxygen is supplied to hospitals for patients. It is also used as a rocket propellant.
 Liquid nitrogen is used in cryosurgery.
 Liquid chlorine is supplied to water treatment plants for purification of water.
 Liquid hydrogen in combination with liquid oxygen forms the fuel for rocket propulsion.

Inter-Conversion among Solids, Liquids, and Gases

 Evaporation
Evaporation: A Brief Overview

The circulation of water on our planet Earth takes place in a cyclic manner. This cyclic
process is known as the water cycle.

Evaporation is the process in which physical state of a substance changes from liquid state
to gaseous at a temperature below its boiling point.

Evaporation depends on the following factors.

 Humidity
 Temperature
 Wind speed
 Surface area

Humidity

When the humidity is high during summer days, we feel more hot and sweaty than usual.
Why is this so?
 High humidity means that the air surrounding us is rich in water vapours and, hence, has a
lesser tendency to take up more water vapours. In consequence, when we sweat, the sweat
takes longer to vaporize. This is the reason why we feel particularly hot and sweaty in
times of high humidity.
Temperature, Wind Speed and Surface Area

Temperature, Wind Speed and Surface Area

There are two conditions in which the earlier activity is carried out:
 The hot and windy condition under the running fan
 The cold and non-windy condition inside the closet

The test tube and the first china dish are placed in the hot and windy condition. In this case,
the rate of evaporation of water is high because of the following factors.
 Moving air (running fan)
 High temperature
Now, between the china dish and the test tube, the surface area of the former is more than
that of the latter. As a result, the rate of evaporation is higher in case of the china dish than
in case of the test tube.

The second china dish is placed in the cold and non-windy condition. In this case, the rate
of evaporation of water is low because of the following factors.
 No moving air
 Low temperature
Also, as the water evaporates, the humidity inside the closed space of the closet rises.
Consequently, the rate of evaporation decreases.

So, the rate of evaporation (r. o. e.) of water with respect to each container is as follows:
r. o. e. from the first china dish > r. o. e. from the test tube > r. o. e. from the second china
dish
 Conclusion

Project Ideas
Clouds in a Bottle

 Add one to two teaspoons of water in a plastic bottle and shake it well so that the water
spreads across the walls of the bottle.
 Next, put a lit splinter in the bottle. This will cause the water inside to evaporate. As the
water vapours rise, they will condense on the smoke particles to form clouds.
 Link this activity to atmospheric cloud formation as a result of evaporation and to the types
of clouds formed depending upon the height where water vapours condense.
Solved Examples
Medium
Example 1:
The rate of evaporation in a lake will be higher on a ___________.
1. hot and dry summer day
2. hot and humid summer day

Solution:
The correct answer is A.

The rate of evaporation will be higher on a hot and dry summer day. This is because the air
will not contain as much water vapour as it will on a hot and humid day.

Example 2:
Which of the following will dry faster?

1. A cloth hanging on a wire

2. A cloth lying on a flat floor

Solution:
The correct answer is A.
 A cloth hanging on a wire will have more surface area exposed for evaporation as
compared to a cloth lying on a flat floor.
Easy
Example 3:
We feel cold after bathing in cold water during summers. This is because of ___________.

1. condensation
2. evaporation

Solution:
The correct answer is B.

The evaporation of water from the body causes the body to cool.
Did You Know?
Cetyl alcohol is sprayed as a layer on the water in the reservoirs to reduce evaporation.

Here are a few examples showing the cooling effect of evaporation.

1. Water present in an earthen pot remains cool: An earthen pot has minute pores all
across its surface. Water keeps coming out of these pores. This water absorbs heat from the
pot and evaporates. Consequently, the water present inside the pot remains cool.

2. The skin becomes cool when deodorant or perfume is sprayed: Perfumes and
deodorants contain alcohol—a highly volatile substance. When deodorant is applied to the
skin, it absorbs heat from the area and gets evaporated. This is the reason why the skin
becomes cool when sprayed with deodorant or perfume.

3. We perspire more during summers. The water molecules present in our sweat absorb
heat energy from our body and change into vapours. Consequently, the body gets cooled
because of this loss of heat.

4. People sprinkle water on the roof during a hot sunny day. This is done as the
sprinkled water absorbs heat from the roof and changes into water vapours. The roof cools
as a result of the loss of heat.

5. During summers, people prefer to wear cotton clothes: Cotton absorbs water and
also allows air to pass through itself. This aspect of cotton makes it the preferred material
for clothes worn during summers. Cotton clothes absorb sweat and expose it to air. As a
result, the sweat evaporates and heat energy (equal to the latent heat of vaporization) is
lost by the body. This cools the body.
6. A desert cooler gives cool air. The water in the cooler is sprinkled onto the pads by the
pump. This allows easy evaporation. The air outside the cooler is pulled in through the
moist pads where it is cooled by evaporation. The cooled air is then pushed out of the
cooler by the fan.