The Four State of Matter

Matter There are four states of matter: Solids Liquids Gases Plasma ** Let’s take a look at each of these states

Solids Solids have definite shape and volume. The particles in a solid are very tightly packed and although they move, they don’t move enough to overcome the attraction to each other. Solids do not take the shape of their container.

solids There are two types of solids: crystalline and amorphous The particles of a crystalline solid are arranged very orderly The particles of an amorphous solid are arranged randomly Crystalline solids are very hard and firm: wood, glass, concrete Amorphous solids are flexible: rubber, some plastics **

liquids Liquids have definite volume, but not shape. A liquid will take the shape of its container (if there is no container, a liquid will spread out) The particles of a liquid are moving fast – fast enough to slide past each other somewhat, but not enough to break away completely

Liquids Liquids can be poured from one container to another But, no matter what the volume capacity of the container, the volume of the liquid remains the same. **

Gases Gases behave differently than solids or liquids Gases have neither definite shape nor volume The particles of gases move so quickly that they are able to break away from each other – thus spreading out to fill the container **