Matter Flowchart
Matter Flowchart

Introduction

In science, matter is a subject that has consumed abundant time and effort of scientists to investigate with the hope of comprehending its properties and changing its form. 

The reason scientists devote their lives to researching that subject is because, with the knowledge of the matter, anyone can understand the chemical and physical change around them.

Nonetheless, it is not easy to comprehend various forms of matter for those not in the scientific area. Therefore, they have put all the information in the flowchart.

With the help from the flow chart, everyone can easily take away some basic ideas about this subject, and the method to create a matter flowchart from scratch will be discussed below.

Overview

Definition And Purpose of Matter Flowcharts

Definition

A matter flowchart is a diagram usually used widely in chemistry to classify matter. The matter will be categorized into two types: a mixture and pure substances in this chart. 

There is a homogeneous (solution) or heterogeneous mixture in the mixture section, while compound and element are what are in the pure substance section. 

Purposes

  • Compare and contrast pure substances and mixtures.
  • Compare and contrast elements and compounds.
  • Compare and contrast solutions and mechanical mixtures.

The Benefits And Drawbacks of Matter Flowchart

Pros

  • Allow everyone to easily understand and get all the ideas about matter and its elements.
  • Teachers or students can use it to study and review knowledge about matter effortlessly.
  • It can be used for multiple purposes, such as proper documentation and analysis.

Cons

  • The matter flowcharts will look messy and hard to comprehend if the creators cram too much information and text into this chart. The same goes with the chart that has too little information.
  • Drawing the chart might consume time, thus it is only feasible if you have enough time for that.
Matter flowchart with question boxed as a step
Matter flowchart with question boxed as a step

How To Draw A Matter Flowchart

The Elements of Matter Flowchart

Matter

The matter is considered everything that fills an area and has weight, and it exists everywhere. We can observe that liquids and solids occupy space and weigh something; therefore, we can infer that they also have mass.

When a balloon is filled with gas, it expands because gasses fill up space; if gasses did not, a balloon would remain deflated instead of expanding.

Three types of matter are present in nature: liquids, gasses, and solids. The types of matter will be decided by the density of matter. A solid has a fixed form and is impervious to movement. When gravity acts on a liquid, it generates a slightly curved or flat top surface that resembles a container.

Zero gravity causes liquids to form spheres. Because of this, the quantities of solid samples and liquid are almost completely unaffected by changes in pressure. The volume and form of gas are determined by its container.

states of matter
States of matter


Besides the matter which is mentioned and explained above, there is dark matter. Dark matter is an object that can be detected by its gravitational pull rather than by its luminance in the cosmos. 

When it comes to Dark matter, there are many parts we must consider including dark matter particles, dark matter theories, dark universe, and dark matter halos.

Composition of Matter

The matter may be broken down into a number of distinct categories. Pure substances and mixtures are two major types.

Mixture

Mixture is a combination of many substances that may be split by structural changes, like evaporation, in various quantities. This type of matter can be divided into two classes: heterogeneous and homogeneous (solution).

A heterogeneous mixture is one whose composition changes from one point to another.

One prime example of a combination that is a heterogeneous mixture is Italian sauce. Depending on how much herbs, oil, and vinegar are used in its preparation, its composition may be altered.

Scientists split heterogeneous mix into two smaller groups: suspension and colloids. When some of the smaller particles drop to the bottom of the container as the mixture stands still, a heterogeneous mixture is called suspension.

A colloid is a mixture of many substances blended and can not be broken up by filtering methods.

On the other hand, a solution, also known as a homogenous mixture, has the same content and appearance throughout. There are several examples of a solution, including an energy drink, which is a mixture of various ingredients.

An energy drink has a consistent flavor because sugar, water, and other ingredients are all the same in every drop. As a general rule, sports drinks may include varying amounts of flavoring, sugar, and other elements yet still be considered a sports drink.

Pure Substance

A pure substance is any matter with a set chemical, makeup, and distinct features. Oxygen is a pure substance at room temperature, an odorless and colorless gas. 

Elements and compounds are two types of pure substances. Elements are those compounds that can not be degraded into simpler ones by chemical processes. The well-known examples of elements are copper, oxygen, silver, aluminum, sulfur, and gold.

Most of the elements exist in nature, while some are synthesized in the laboratory.

Compounds are substances that chemical reactions can decompose. Other compounds or elements may be formed as a result of this breakdown.

Pure substances vs Mixtures
Pure substances vs Mixtures


Draw A Matter Flowchart

Input

Before drawing the chart, the creator must decide how much information should be added to the purposes. However, seven main parts must be included in the diagram.

They are matter, pure substance, homogeneous mixture (solution), heterogeneous mixture, compound, and element. Besides, there are colloids and suspensions, which are optional parts of the chart.

The diagram might not include some additional texts, but with the help of texts, the diagram is understandable for anyone without further explanation from the flow chart maker.

How To Draw

On the top of the chart, there is a location of matter. Then, the flowchart maker will draw the arrow down to two boxes that have the mixture and pure substance inside.

Then, the mixture will be divided into two different categories: Homogeneous mixture (solution) and heterogeneous mixture. Therefore, flow chart creators will need two more rectangular boxes.

The same story will be applied for pure substance as it is also broken down into two smaller classes: compounds and elements. That is a basic matter flowchart.

A basic matter flowchart
A basic matter flowchart

In some cases, the makers will divide the heterogeneous mixture into suspension and colloids to make the chart look clearer and more informative.

The creators can add further questions, short descriptions, and examples. Some even box the questions and make them become another step.