There are 4 different states of matter: A. Solid B. Liquid C. Gas D. Plasma

Kinetic Theory of Matter All matter is made of tiny particles (atoms or molecules) which are in constant motion. How tightly these particles are packed together and how strong they are bonded will determine what state of matter the material is.

Matter is like a ________________ The tighter you pack it, the stronger the flakes (particles) bond together. Pack it loosely, and the flakes are more likely to fly apart (loosely bonded).

Particles vibrate faster if the matter is heated up Particles vibrate faster if the matter is heated up. Conversely they also slow down as they are cooled. Changing thermal energy levels (heat) changes a material from 1 state of matter to another. Phase Change!

Solids Have a definite shape and a definite volume Particles are tightly packed and are strongly bonded together

Diamonds form under tremendous pressure, and therefore their particles (carbon atoms) are packed very tightly. This is one reason why diamonds are so hard.

Crystalline and Amorphous Solids Crystalline solids - particles of some solids are arranged in definite repeating patterns. (minerals) Gemstones, minerals like salt, and safety glass are all examples of crystalline solids. They have a predictable pattern of particles.

Amorphous solids have no definite structure or arrangement of their particles. These materials will break in an unpredictable manner, with no pattern. Examples include plastics, glass, and wax.

Liquids Have a definite volume, but no definite shape (they take the shape of their container) Particles move around freely within the liquid.

Viscosity Viscosity is the property of a fluid which describes how well it will flow Low viscosity flows easily, high viscosity is much thicker.

Gases Gases have no definite volume and no definite shape, but do have mass. They take the shape of the container they are in. Gas particles are very loosely bonded and move around freely.

Gases, unlike solids and liquids, are fairly easy to compress and also readily expand. That is why we say they have no definite volume. Expansion and contraction of gases explains why warm air rises and cold air sinks.

Why does it hurt more to jump onto a water bed than on an air mattress?

Plasma The most common state of matter in the universe. It is a gas-like mixture of positive and negatively charged particles. These particles make plasma a high energy state of matter.