Physical Science: Matter & Atoms | Truth Carriers Academy

About This Workbook

In this workbook, you'll learn about matter, atoms, and chemistry - the building blocks of everything Yahuah created!

Why Study Physical Science?

When we study the physical world, we're studying Yahuah's handiwork. The incredible order, precision, and beauty in atoms and molecules point to an intelligent Designer!

The laws of chemistry are consistent everywhere - because Yahuah established them
Atoms are incredibly complex and precisely designed
The periodic table shows patterns that reflect divine order

"By the word of Yahuah were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth." - Psalm 33:6

1Introduction to Matter

Matter: Anything that has mass and takes up space (has volume).

Mass: The amount of matter in an object (measured in grams or kilograms).

Volume: The amount of space an object takes up (measured in liters or cubic centimeters).

Properties of Matter

Physical Properties	Examples
Color	Red, blue, silver, transparent
Density	Heavy or light for its size
Hardness	Diamond (hard) vs. chalk (soft)
Melting/Boiling Point	Ice melts at 0°C, water boils at 100°C
Conductivity	Metals conduct electricity; rubber doesn't
Magnetism	Iron is magnetic; wood is not

Density: How much mass is packed into a given volume. Density = Mass ÷ Volume

What Scripture Says

Yahuah created all matter during Creation Week:

"In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1)
Matter didn't exist eternally - Yahuah spoke it into being
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of Elohim, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3)

The physical world was made from the non-physical - Yahuah's Word!

Evidence of Design in Matter

Precise Properties: Water expands when it freezes - this is rare and keeps ice floating, protecting aquatic life!
Fine-Tuning: If the properties of matter were even slightly different, life couldn't exist
Predictability: Matter behaves consistently - this reflects Yahuah's faithful nature

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of Elohim, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." - Hebrews 11:3

Practice

1. Define matter:

2. What are the two things matter must have?

a) b)

3. Calculate the density: An object has a mass of 20g and a volume of 4 cm³

Density = g/cm³

4. Name 3 physical properties of matter:

5. According to Hebrews 11:3, how was matter created?

Family Activity

Measure the mass and volume of different objects Calculate and compare densities Discuss: Why does ice float? (Hint: Yahuah's design!)

2States of Matter

The Three Main States

State	Shape	Volume	Particle Movement
Solid	Definite shape	Definite volume	Vibrate in place
Liquid	Takes container shape	Definite volume	Slide past each other
Gas	Takes container shape	Fills container	Move freely, spread out

Plasma: A fourth state of matter - super-heated gas where electrons separate from atoms (found in stars and lightning).

Changes of State

Phase Changes

SOLID ⟷ LIQUID ⟷ GAS

Solid → Liquid	Melting	(adds energy)
Liquid → Solid	Freezing	(removes energy)
Liquid → Gas	Evaporation/Boiling	(adds energy)
Gas → Liquid	Condensation	(removes energy)
Solid → Gas	Sublimation	(skips liquid!)

What Scripture Says

Yahuah uses all states of matter in His creation:

Solid: "He set the earth on its foundations" (Psalm 104:5)
Liquid: "He gathers the waters of the sea together" (Psalm 33:7)
Gas: "The breath of Yahuah, like a stream of brimstone" (Isaiah 30:33)

The water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) was designed by Yahuah to sustain life!

Water: The Designed Molecule

Water is unique among substances - it was specially designed for life:

Ice floats: Most substances are denser as solids - water is opposite!
High heat capacity: Water absorbs a lot of heat before warming up - this stabilizes climate
Universal solvent: Water dissolves more substances than any other liquid
Surface tension: Water can climb up narrow tubes (capillary action) - essential for plants

These "coincidences" are far too precise to be accidents - they reveal design!

"He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightnings for the rain." - Psalm 135:7

Practice

1. Fill in the table:

State	Definite Shape?	Definite Volume?
Solid
Liquid
Gas

2. Name the phase change:

Ice → Water:

Water → Steam:

Dry ice → Gas:

3. Why is it important that ice floats?

4. Name two unique properties of water that show design:

Family Activity

Observe ice melting and water boiling - note temperatures Make frost (condensation + freezing) with a cold container Discuss the water cycle as Yahuah's provision

3Atoms: Building Blocks of Matter

Atom: The smallest particle of an element that still has the properties of that element.

Parts of an Atom

Particle	Charge	Location	Mass
Proton	Positive (+)	Nucleus (center)	1 amu
Neutron	Neutral (0)	Nucleus (center)	1 amu
Electron	Negative (−)	Orbiting nucleus	~0 (very small)

Atom Structure

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Nucleus: Protons (+) and Neutrons (0) tightly packed in center

Electron Cloud: Electrons (−) orbiting around nucleus

Atoms are mostly empty space! If a nucleus were a marble, the electron cloud would be a football field away!

Atomic Number: The number of protons in an atom (this defines what element it is).

Mass Number: The total number of protons + neutrons in the nucleus.

What Textbooks Teach

Atoms formed in the "Big Bang" and in stars
Heavier elements formed through nuclear fusion over billions of years
Atoms arranged randomly over time to form complex structures
No purpose or design behind atomic structure

What Scripture Says

Yahuah created all matter, including atoms, during Creation Week
"By Him all things consist [hold together]" (Colossians 1:17)
The forces that hold atoms together are maintained by Yahuah's power
Atoms are precisely designed to allow for chemistry and life

The Atom: A Marvel of Design

Strong Nuclear Force: Holds protons together in the nucleus despite their positive charges repelling each other - precisely balanced!
Electron Shells: Electrons occupy specific energy levels - enabling chemistry
Fine-Tuning: If forces were slightly different, atoms couldn't exist
Stability: Most atoms are incredibly stable - not random or chaotic

Atoms are like miniature solar systems - complex, ordered, and designed!

Problems with Atoms "Creating Themselves"

Fine-Tuning Problem: The strong nuclear force is precisely calibrated - too strong and only hydrogen exists; too weak and no atoms form
Complexity: Even the "simplest" hydrogen atom requires precise properties
Information: How atoms combine into molecules requires "rules" - rules require a Rule-Maker

"And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist [are held together]." - Colossians 1:17

Practice

1. What are the three subatomic particles?

, ,

2. Where is each particle located?

Protons:

Neutrons:

Electrons:

3. An atom has 6 protons and 6 neutrons. What is its:

Atomic Number: Mass Number:

4. According to Colossians 1:17, who holds all atoms together?

5. Why does the precision of atomic forces point to design?

Family Activity

Build an atom model with craft supplies Research the strong nuclear force - discuss its precision Discuss: What would happen if atoms stopped "holding together"?

4Elements and the Periodic Table

Element: A pure substance made of only one type of atom. Cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Reading the Periodic Table

Sample Element Box

6

C

Carbon

12.01

6 = Atomic Number (protons)
C = Symbol
Carbon = Name
12.01 = Atomic Mass

Important Elements to Know

Element	Symbol	Atomic #	Importance
Hydrogen	H	1	Most abundant element; in water
Carbon	C	6	Basis of all life; organic chemistry
Nitrogen	N	7	78% of atmosphere; in proteins
Oxygen	O	8	21% of atmosphere; needed for respiration
Sodium	Na	11	In table salt (NaCl)
Iron	Fe	26	In blood (hemoglobin)
Gold	Au	79	Precious metal; doesn't corrode

Periodic Table Organization

Rows (Periods): Elements in the same row have the same number of electron shells
Columns (Groups/Families): Elements in the same column have similar properties
Metals: Left side - conduct electricity, shiny, malleable
Nonmetals: Right side - don't conduct, often gases
Metalloids: Border line - properties of both

The Periodic Table: Evidence of Divine Order

Perfect Patterns: Elements with the same number of outer electrons have similar properties
Predictability: Dmitri Mendeleev predicted undiscovered elements based on patterns - and was right!
Not Random: The periodic table shows an ordered, logical system - not chaos
Functional Diversity: Just 92 natural elements combine to make everything in creation!

The periodic table is like a fingerprint of the Creator - orderly, beautiful, and purposeful!

What Scripture Says

Yahuah created the raw materials of the universe with purpose
Gold is mentioned 417 times in Scripture - Yahuah values His creation
"The heavens declare the glory of Elohim" (Psalm 19:1) - even atoms testify to Him
The diversity and order of elements reflects Yahuah's infinite wisdom

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible." - Colossians 1:16

Practice

1. What is an element?

2. What does the atomic number tell you?

3. Match the element to its symbol:

___ Oxygen	A. Fe
___ Carbon	B. Au
___ Iron	C. O
___ Gold	D. C

4. Why do elements in the same column (group) have similar properties?

5. How does the periodic table show evidence of design?

Family Activity

Memorize the first 20 elements Print a periodic table and identify element groups Research how Mendeleev predicted new elements

5Chemical Bonds and Compounds

Chemical Bond: A force that holds atoms together in a compound.

Compound: A substance made of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.

Types of Chemical Bonds

Bond Type	How It Works	Example
Ionic Bond	One atom gives electrons to another (transfer)	NaCl (table salt)
Covalent Bond	Atoms share electrons	H₂O (water), CO₂
Metallic Bond	Electrons shared in a "sea" among metal atoms	Copper wire

The Octet Rule

Atoms "want" 8 electrons in their outer shell (except hydrogen, which wants 2). They bond with other atoms to achieve this stable configuration.

Water Molecule (H₂O)

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1 Oxygen atom + 2 Hydrogen atoms

Oxygen shares electrons with each hydrogen (covalent bonds)

The bent shape makes water a polar molecule!

Writing Chemical Formulas

H₂O = 2 hydrogen atoms + 1 oxygen atom = water
CO₂ = 1 carbon + 2 oxygen = carbon dioxide
NaCl = 1 sodium + 1 chlorine = table salt
C₆H₁₂O₆ = 6 carbon + 12 hydrogen + 6 oxygen = glucose (sugar)

Chemical Bonds: Precision Engineering

Exact Ratios: Atoms combine in specific, predictable ratios - always!
Carbon's Uniqueness: Carbon can form 4 bonds, making complex molecules possible - essential for life!
Water's Shape: The 104.5° angle between hydrogen atoms gives water its unique properties
Bond Strengths: Precisely calibrated - strong enough to hold together, weak enough to allow reactions

These precise "rules" for how atoms combine didn't create themselves - they were designed!

What Scripture Says

The laws governing chemical bonding are part of Yahuah's created order
These laws are consistent and reliable - reflecting Yahuah's faithfulness
"He upholds all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3)
Carbon-based life was Yahuah's design from the beginning

"Who being the brightness of His glory... upholding all things by the word of His power." - Hebrews 1:3

Practice

1. What is a compound?

2. What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonds?

Ionic: electrons

Covalent: electrons

3. Count the atoms in these formulas:

H₂O: H atoms + O atoms

CO₂: C atoms + O atoms

C₆H₁₂O₆: C + H + O

4. Why is carbon special for forming complex molecules?

Family Activity

Build molecule models with toothpicks and marshmallows Identify compounds in your home (salt, sugar, water, baking soda) Discuss why chemical "rules" point to a Rule-Maker

6Chemical Reactions

Chemical Reaction: A process where substances (reactants) are changed into different substances (products).

Signs of a Chemical Reaction

Color change
Gas produced (bubbles)
Temperature change (heat released or absorbed)
Precipitate forms (solid appears in liquid)
Light produced
Odor change

Writing Chemical Equations

Example: Burning Methane (Natural Gas)

CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O + Energy

Reactants (left side) → Products (right side)

Methane + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + Heat

Law of Conservation of Mass: Matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. The total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

Types of Reactions

Type	Description	Example
Synthesis	Two or more substances combine into one	2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
Decomposition	One substance breaks into two or more	2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
Single Replacement	One element replaces another	Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
Double Replacement	Two compounds exchange parts	NaCl + AgNO₃ → NaNO₃ + AgCl
Combustion	Substance reacts with oxygen, releasing heat	CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Chemical Reactions: Designed for Life

Photosynthesis: Plants convert CO₂ + H₂O + sunlight → glucose + O₂ (feeds all life!)
Respiration: Our cells reverse this: glucose + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O + energy
Perfect Cycle: Plants and animals complement each other - designed interdependence!
Enzyme Precision: Biological reactions use enzymes - molecular machines that accelerate specific reactions by millions of times

What Scripture Says

Yahuah designed the chemical processes that sustain life
Photosynthesis was designed on Day 3 (plants) - before animals needed it!
Fire and combustion are under Yahuah's control (Daniel 3:27 - fire didn't burn)
Conservation of mass reflects Yahuah's orderly creation - nothing is random

"And Elohim said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit." - Genesis 1:11

Practice

1. List 3 signs that a chemical reaction has occurred:

2. In the equation CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O, identify:

Reactants:

Products:

3. State the Law of Conservation of Mass:

4. Match the reaction type:

___ A + B → AB	A. Decomposition
___ AB → A + B	B. Synthesis
___ Fuel + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O	C. Combustion

5. How do photosynthesis and respiration show design?

Family Activity

Safe reaction: Baking soda + vinegar (identify reaction signs) Discuss how photosynthesis and respiration work together Read Daniel 3 - Yahuah controls fire!

7Mixtures and Solutions

Mixture: Two or more substances combined but NOT chemically bonded. Each keeps its own properties.

Mixtures vs. Compounds

Feature	Mixture	Compound
Chemical bonding?	No	Yes
Keep original properties?	Yes	No (new properties)
Fixed ratio?	No (any ratio)	Yes (specific ratio)
Separated by?	Physical means	Chemical means only
Example	Trail mix, salad	Water (H₂O), Salt (NaCl)

Types of Mixtures

Type	Description	Example
Homogeneous (Solution)	Evenly mixed; looks uniform	Salt water, air, steel
Heterogeneous	Not evenly mixed; can see different parts	Salad, pizza, soil
Suspension	Particles settle if left alone	Orange juice with pulp, muddy water
Colloid	Particles don't settle; scatter light	Milk, fog, mayonnaise

Solution: A homogeneous mixture where one substance (solute) dissolves in another (solvent).

Parts of a Solution

Solute: The substance that dissolves (smaller amount)

Solvent: The substance that does the dissolving (larger amount)

Example: Salt water → Salt (solute) dissolves in Water (solvent)

Separation Techniques

Filtration: Separate solids from liquids (coffee filter)
Evaporation: Liquid evaporates, leaving solid behind
Distillation: Separate liquids by different boiling points
Chromatography: Separate by how fast substances travel
Magnetism: Separate magnetic from non-magnetic materials

What Scripture Says

Yahuah designed water to be the "universal solvent" - essential for life
Blood is a complex solution designed to carry oxygen, nutrients, and fight disease
The atmosphere is a mixture of gases in perfect proportions for life
"He gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields" (Job 5:10) - the water cycle involves evaporation and condensation

Mixtures in Creation: Designed for Life

Atmosphere: 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% other - perfect for life!
Ocean Salinity: Just the right salt concentration for marine life
Blood: A complex solution with red cells, white cells, plasma, platelets - each with a purpose
Soil: A mixture of minerals, organic matter, air, and water - designed to support plants

"For He looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole heaven; to make the weight for the winds; and He weighs the waters by measure." - Job 28:24-25

Practice

1. What is the difference between a mixture and a compound?

2. Identify as homogeneous or heterogeneous:

Salt water:

Salad:

Air:

3. In a salt water solution, identify:

Solute: Solvent:

4. Name a separation technique for each situation:

Sand from water:

Salt from water:

5. How does the atmosphere's composition show design?

Family Activity

Make a saturated solution (dissolve as much sugar as possible in water) Separate a mixture using filtration Discuss: Why is blood called "the life" in Scripture? (Leviticus 17:11)

8Review: Matter Points to the Creator

Key Truths We've Learned

Summary

Matter was created by Yahuah - not eternal, not from random processes
States of matter show design - especially water's unique properties
Atoms are precisely engineered - forces fine-tuned for stability
The periodic table reveals order - patterns point to a Pattern-Maker
Chemical bonds follow rules - rules require a Rule-Maker
Reactions sustain life - photosynthesis and respiration are complementary by design
Mixtures in creation are optimized - atmosphere, blood, oceans perfectly proportioned

The Fine-Tuning Argument

For atoms, chemistry, and life to exist, numerous constants must be precisely calibrated:

Strong nuclear force - holds protons together
Electromagnetic force - governs chemistry
Gravitational constant - holds matter together
Electron mass - determines atomic size

Change any of these slightly, and atoms, chemistry, or life couldn't exist. This points to a Designer who intended for life to exist!

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and divine nature, so that they are without excuse." - Romans 1:20

Final Assessment

1. Define matter:

2. Name the three main states of matter and describe particle movement in each:

3. What are the three subatomic particles, their charges, and locations?

4. What does the atomic number tell you about an element?

5. Explain the difference between ionic and covalent bonds:

6. State the Law of Conservation of Mass:

7. What is the difference between a mixture and a compound?

8. Write a paragraph explaining how the study of matter points to Yahuah as Creator:

Celebration!

Complete the unit test Create a "Chemistry Points to the Creator" poster Do a favorite chemistry experiment Share what you learned about Yahuah's design with someone Thank Yahuah for the incredible design in His creation!

About This Workbook

Why Study Physical Science?

1Introduction to Matter

Properties of Matter

What Scripture Says

Evidence of Design in Matter

Practice

Family Activity

2States of Matter

The Three Main States

Changes of State

Phase Changes

What Scripture Says

Water: The Designed Molecule

Practice

Family Activity

3Atoms: Building Blocks of Matter

Parts of an Atom

Atom Structure

What Textbooks Teach

What Scripture Says

The Atom: A Marvel of Design

Problems with Atoms "Creating Themselves"

Practice

Family Activity

4Elements and the Periodic Table

Reading the Periodic Table

Sample Element Box

Important Elements to Know

Periodic Table Organization

The Periodic Table: Evidence of Divine Order

What Scripture Says

Practice

Family Activity

5Chemical Bonds and Compounds

Types of Chemical Bonds

The Octet Rule

Water Molecule (H₂O)

Writing Chemical Formulas

Chemical Bonds: Precision Engineering

What Scripture Says

Practice

Family Activity

6Chemical Reactions

Signs of a Chemical Reaction

Writing Chemical Equations

Example: Burning Methane (Natural Gas)

Types of Reactions

Chemical Reactions: Designed for Life

What Scripture Says

Practice

Family Activity

7Mixtures and Solutions

Mixtures vs. Compounds

Types of Mixtures

Parts of a Solution

Separation Techniques

What Scripture Says

Mixtures in Creation: Designed for Life

Practice

Family Activity

8Review: Matter Points to the Creator

Key Truths We've Learned

Summary

The Fine-Tuning Argument

Final Assessment

Celebration!

Answer Key

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5

Lesson 6

Lesson 7

Lesson 8