States of Matter

As we all know, everything in the world is made up of matter. Matter can be

classified into three different states, but not states like Illinois or Florida. A state
of matter is the physical form that matter takes. The three states of matter are
solids, liquids, and gases. We have learned that matter is made up of atoms and
molecules. These particles are always in motion. The state that matter has
depends on the movement and spacing of its particles.

Let’s first take a look at solids. A solid is a form of matter that has a definite
shape and volume. Meaning, that we can feel its shape if we touch it, and that it
keeps its shape. The particles in a solid are closely packed together; they vibrate
or shake in place and that is why solids keep or maintain their shape. Some
examples of solids include: wood, iron, and glass.

Liquids can be touched as well, but they do not keep their own shape. A liquid
changes its shape to match the shape of its container. This is because their
particles are not held in place. In the liquid state, water particles can slip past
each other and move about. Even though we can pour a liquid into different
containers and the shape will change the volume will never change. Some
examples of liquids are water, juice, and milk.

A gas has no definite shape or volume. The particles that make up gases can
move about freely. These particles are constantly moving about bouncing off
each other. When a gas is placed into a closed container, the particles spread
out to fill it. Unlike solids and liquids, gases are very compressible or the ability to
be pressed closer together in a small space. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and helium
are all examples of gases.