science states of matter

• Matter exists in three main states: solid, liquid, and gas
• Solids have a definite shape and volume
• Particles in a solid are closely packed together and vibrate in fixed positions
• Examples of solids include ice, wood, and metal
• Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of the container they are in
• Particles in a liquid are close together but can move past one another, allowing liquids to flow
• Examples of liquids include water, milk, and oil
• Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume
• Particles in a gas are spread apart and move freely, filling any container they are in
• Examples of gases include air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide
• Changes of state occur through processes such as melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation, and sublimation
• Melting: The change from a solid to a liquid
• Freezing: The change from a liquid to a solid
• Evaporation: The change from a liquid to a gas, usually occurring at the surface
• Condensation: The change from a gas to a liquid
• Sublimation: The change from a solid directly to a gas without passing through the liquid state
• Changes of state involve the gain or loss of energy
• When energy is added to matter, particles move faster and can change state
• When energy is removed, particles move slower and may also change state
• Understanding the states of matter is fundamental in various scientific fields and everyday life
• Helps comprehend the behaviour and properties of substances around us
• Energy plays a crucial role in changes of state, either being absorbed or released
• Solids:

  • Shape: Fixed shape because atoms are tightly packed and don't move much
  • Volume: Fixed volume because atoms are closely packed and don't easily change position
  • Compressibility: Hard to squish or compress because atoms are already tightly packed
• Liquids:

  • Shape: Take the shape of their container because atoms can move around each other but are still close
  • Volume: Definite volume, like solids, but can change shape because atoms can move around
  • Compressibility: Can't be squished easily but can be compressed a little bit because atoms can still move
• Gases:

  • Shape: Don't have a fixed shape because atoms move freely and spread out to fill their container
  • Volume: Don't have a fixed volume because they can expand or contract to fit their container
  • Compressibility: Easily compressed because atoms are spread out and can be pushed closer together
• Summary:

  • Solids keep their shape and volume
  • Liquids take the shape of their container but keep their volume
  • Gases spread out to fill their container and can change volume easily