States of Matter

The Main 3… SOLID LIQUID GAS

SOLIDS Properties… Definite shape Definite volume Atoms are Tightly packed Rigid Strong bonds

Liquids Properties… NO definite shape (take shape of container) Definite volume Atoms are less tightly packed Fluid (able to flow) Medium strength bonds

Properties… Gases NO definite shape (only contained in air-tight containers) NO definite volume (gas can be compressed) Atoms are NOT packed together Fluid (able to flow) NO bonds

What is the Fourth State of Matter? Plasma! plasma is a partially ionized gas (charged gas), in which some of electrons are free rather than being bonded to an atom or molecule. The ability of the positive and negative charges to move somewhat independently makes the plasma electrically conductive so that it responds strongly to electromagnetic fields. Plasma typically takes the form of neutral gas- like clouds, as seen, for example, in the case of stars.

Plasma Basics 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.

Northern Lights and Ball Lightning

Finding A Plasma You won't find plasmas just anywhere. However, there may be some in front of you. Think about a fluorescent light bulb. They are not like regular light bulbs. Inside the long tube is a gas. Electricity flows through the tube when the light is turned on. The electricity acts as that special energy and charges up the gas. This charging and exciting of the atoms creates glowing plasma inside the bulb.

Plasma in Stars You also see plasma when you look at stars. Stars are big balls of gases at really high temperatures. The high temperatures charge up the atoms and create plasma. Stars are another good example of how the temperature of plasmas can be very different.

But… did you know there is a 5th state of matter? It is called Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). The BEC happens at super low temperatures. At zero Kelvin all molecular motion stops. Scientists have figured out a way to get a temperature only a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero. When temperatures get that low, you can create a BEC with a few special elements. Cornell and Weiman did it with Rubidium. If plasmas are super hot and super excited atoms, the atoms in a Bose- Einstein condensate (BEC) are total opposites. They are super-unexcited and super-cold atoms.

What do they look like? Atoms Vibrate in place

What do they look like? Atoms will flow

What do they look like? Atoms move freely with NO BONDS

Let’s Compare...

Questions??? Which state of matter would be most dense? SOLID... the most tightly packed!!! Which state of matter would have the most energy? GAS… so much energy they can break their bonds!!! Which state of matter would have the least energy? SOLID… only enough energy to vibrate in place!!!

Definitions for FLASHCARDS Molecules are rigid with only enough energy to vibrate in place. = SOLID

Definitions for FLASHCARDS Molecules can move freely, but do not have enough energy to escape the bonds between them. = LIQUID

Definitions for FLASHCARDS Molecules move rapidly with so much energy that they escape the bonds between them. = GAS