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There's an explosion at the end of this book.

Everyone loves explosions, Right? 

We like fireworks, volcanoes, and even when our soda explodes!

Did you know that explosions are chemistry? 

Before we can make an explosion happen we need to understand Matter.

Why does knowing about matter, matter?

Because we need to know if we have an authentic chemical 

explosion or just a physical explosion. you wouldn't want to 

buy a fake watch? 

a fake pony?

   a fake car?

You want to have the real deal!

so lets talk about matter. 

What is it?  

What lil kitten? 

You say it is everything in the universe?! Man you are so 

smart.

But can you identify 4 properties of matter?of course you 

know. Yes they are:

Plasma: ionized gas

 Gas: has an atomic state but expands to fit in any container

Solid: has a definite shape and mass

and Liquid: has volume but no fixed shape.

You already knew that because 

you are so smart lil kitten.

So... say we take some water and freeze it. then we place it on the counter and 

smash it with a hammer. Bam! is that a chemical explosion?

No! No its not? why not..... its a chemical, its an explosion right?

Oh you are a smart lil kitten. You are so right. its just a physical change. Physical 

changes are changes to a substance that change the physical properties of a 

substance which means it goes from being a solid to a liquid It changes its 

phase. Ice, rain, and clouds are all still water. The physical properties of matter 

are solid (ice), gas (clouds), and liquid (rain). 

Even though we broke the ice with the hammer, its still the same chemical 

composition: water. 

Physical properties are often identified by using our 5 senses. 

Now lets talk about the states of matter. No silly lil kitten! 

I know that matter can be found in all the states of America! You are a 

silly one. I'm not talking about the states like Nebraska, California, or 

New Jersey!

 there are only three States of matter: elements, compounds and 

mixtures.

Elements are substances that can not be simplified. They are broken 

down to the purest form. 

Compounds are when you mix two elements.

 Mixtures are when you combine elements and compounds to make 

something new.

Lets talk about table salt. 

did you know that table salt is only pretending to be an element. its 

really a compound. Its a a combination of sodium and chlorine. 

Therefore you have 2 elements even though it looks like its just 

simple ol' salt. 

Now if we pour salt into a glass of water does that make an explosion?

Just checking to see if you were listening. Dont get so upset! Youre 

right....it just makes salt water. Which is also known as a mixture.

 Be patient lil kitten! I promise there will be an explosion!

So.... if we pour salt into water, what do you think will happen?

You are a smart lil kitten. It will dissolve. That's because the salt is 

a solute- something that can be broken down, and water is the 

solvent. That is how we get the word dissolve which means "to break 

down".

Isn't it crazy that the water is a solvent and the salt is a solute! You 

would think it was the other way around. 

Taste them! The salt is yummy and the water is boring. 

The reason it happens that way is because the reaction is happening 

on a chemical level.

The salt dissolves because it is made up of only 

2 more simpler elements.

Remember, its a compound. 

When you place the salt into the water, the ionic bond ( the chemicals 

holding it together)breakdown and

 what is left is the ion Na+1 and Cl-1 floating in the water. 

You cant see the salt because it is hidden between the water 

molecules. This is called a chemical change. 

The elements break apart and cant be put back together. 

Now the glass is full of salt water, a solution or mixture.

Chemical changes on the molecular level 

and often are invisible. 

The chemical properties, the salt (Na+1 and Cl-1) 

are all there but you cant see them separate. 

If the amount of the salt exceeds the ability to be dissolved by the 

water molecules, that is called saturation.

What does this have to do with stuff exploding you ask?!

 Sheesh you don't have to get so excited! 

You know you are a very impatient lil' kitten.

Well her we go. 

Put your detective hat on 

and grab your magnifying glass 

and lets explore what makes a true explosion!

A chemical explosion happens 

when a chemical substance is changed 

after being exposed to another substance.

This is called a chemical reaction. 

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