States of Matter for Kids

States of Matter

• Particle: A minute unit that constitutes all forms of matter.
• Solid: Maintains a definite shape and volume; examples include rocks.
• Liquid: Adapts to the shape of its container and flows; water is a common example.
• Gas: Lacks a definite shape or volume; examples include air, which is typically invisible.
• Plasma: A highly energized state of matter, found in stars like the sun.

Phase Changes

• Melting: The process where a solid transforms into a liquid; seen when ice melts to form water.
• Freezing: When a liquid converts into a solid; for instance, water solidifies to become ice.
• Condensation: The transition of gas into liquid; occurs when water vapor forms droplets on a cold surface.
• Evaporation: The change from liquid to gas; an example is water evaporating under sunlight.
• Sublimation: When a solid turns directly into a gas without passing through the liquid state; this occurs with dry ice.
• Deposition: The direct transformation from gas to solid; an example is the formation of frost.
• Ionization: The process where a particle gains or loses electrons, illustrated by the occurrence of lightning.