Complete notes, examples, revision questions, diagrams, FAQs and exercises for ICSE students. Updated for 2026 learning patterns and mobile-friendly study.
Matter is everything around us. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the books we read are all made of matter. In this chapter, students learn about states of matter, elements, compounds, mixtures and methods of separation. This topic forms the foundation of Chemistry in ICSE curriculum.
This lesson is very important because it helps students understand how substances behave in daily life and scientific experiments.
Anything that has mass and occupies space is called matter.
Solids have fixed shape and fixed volume. Their particles are tightly packed.
Liquids have fixed volume but no fixed shape. They take the shape of the container.
Gases have no fixed shape and no fixed volume. They spread everywhere.
Matter can change from one state to another because of heating or cooling.
| Change | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Solid → Liquid | Melting | Ice → Water |
| Liquid → Gas | Evaporation | Water → Steam |
| Gas → Liquid | Condensation | Steam → Water |
| Liquid → Solid | Freezing | Water → Ice |
An element is a pure substance made of only one kind of atom.
A compound is formed when two or more elements chemically combine.
A mixture is formed when substances mix physically without chemical reaction.
Used to separate insoluble solids from liquids.
Used to obtain dissolved solids from a solution.
Used to separate particles of different sizes.
Used when impurities are visible and large.
| Physical Change | Chemical Change |
|---|---|
| No new substance formed | New substance formed |
| Usually reversible | Usually irreversible |
| Example: Melting ice | Example: Burning paper |
Updated: May 18, 2026
Anything that has mass and occupies space is called matter.
Solid, liquid and gas.
Filtration is a method used to separate insoluble solids from liquids.
Compounds are chemically combined while mixtures are physically mixed.
Chemistry helps us understand materials, reactions and changes happening around us.