States of Matter Guide: Learning from our mistakes

Solids The shape and volume of a solid are fixed (don’t change) The particles in a solid are held rigidly in place to the extent that they only vibrate Melting is when heat energy is added to a solid to turn it into a liquid. Sublimation is when a solid goes directly to a gas (ex. dry ice)

Liquids The liquid take the shape of it’s container and it volume is fixed . Particles smoothly move in a liquid and have more room then a solid. Liquid can turn to a solid it’s called Freezing, heat and energy is taking away and it can turn in to a gas that is called Evaporation heat and energy is added. Some liquids are water and rain.

Gases The shape changes The volume changes They are wide apart and spread fast and also moves fast Gas to a solid is sublimation. Gas to a liquid condensation.

Plasma Plasmas are a lot like gases, but the atoms are different because they are made up of free electrons and ions of the element. You don't find plasmas too often when you walk around. They aren't things that happen regularly on Earth. If you have ever heard of the Northern Lights or ball lightning, you might know that those are types of plasmas. It takes a very special environment to keep plasmas going. They are different and unique from the other states of matter.

Solids Solids come in many shapes and sizes. The particles in a solid are fixed and they hold it’s shape. The particles barely move at all. Actually, they can only vibrate because they are so packed together. With the help of heat energy, the solid can melt and change into a liquid. Sometimes, a solid can get so hot that it skips the liquid stage and moves straight to the gas stage. This is called sublimation. Two examples of a solid are a sword and stone.