States of Matter

What is matter? Matter is anything that has mass and volume Mass is the amount of stuff (particles) that make up the substance. Typically measured with a balance in grams Volume is the amount of space that matter takes up. Measurement technique varies with the state of matter Matter exists in 4 states throughout the universe. 3 primarily on the Earth.

States of matter solid liquid gas plasma

solid Has definite mass Has definite volume Holds its own shape Lowest kinetic energy in particles Particles the closest together (except water) and vibrate rather than slide around May or may not have a crystal structure

liquid Has definite mass Has definite volume Takes the shape of the container A fluid (particles flow) Particles slide past each other Has medium kinetic energy in the particles

gas Has mass Has no definite volume or shape Fills any container Particles farthest apart Has the highest kinetic energy particles Compressible Creates pressure A fluid and flows

plasma Highest kinetic energy Ionized gas (atoms stripped of their electrons. has mass No definite volume Takes shape of container Created at extremely high temperature or when electricity passes through gas Responds to magnetic and electric fields Examples: stars, fire, glowing lights, aurora particles