State of Matter

The state of matter refers to the physical form in which a substance exists. There are four primary states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. The state of matter of a substance is determined by the arrangement and movement of its particles.

Solids

In a solid, the particles are closely packed together and vibrate in place. Solids have a definite shape and volume. Examples of solids include ice, wood, and metal.

Liquids

Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past one another. They have a definite volume but take the shape of their container. Examples of liquids include water, milk, and oil.

Gases

In gases, the particles are far apart and move freely. Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. Examples of gases include air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

Plasma

Plasma is the most common state of matter in the universe. It is a hot, ionized gas in which the electrons have been stripped from the atoms. Examples of plasma include stars, lightning, and neon lights.

Changes in State

Substances can change from one state of matter to another through the processes of melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation, and sublimation.

Study Guide

1. What are the four primary states of matter?
2. Describe the arrangement and movement of particles in a solid.
3. Give an example of a substance in each state of matter.
4. Explain the concept of plasma and provide examples of where it can be found.
5. Discuss the processes through which substances can change from one state of matter to another.

Understanding the states of matter is fundamental to understanding the physical properties and behavior of different substances. Be sure to review the characteristics of each state and the processes of change between them to solidify your understanding of this important topic.