States of Matter

States of Matter

• Matter exists in four physical states or phases: solid (s), liquid (l), gas (g), and plasma.
• The states of matter can be transitioned from one to another by applying heat, with the sequence being solid → liquid → gas → plasma.

Solid State

• Particles (atoms or molecules) are very close to each other and held strongly by intermolecular forces.
• Particles can vibrate around their mean positions but cannot slide past each other.
• Solids have a fixed shape and a fixed volume.
• Expansion and contraction are negligible in the solid state.

Liquid State

• Particles are close enough to experience strong intermolecular interactions, preventing them from crossing the liquid boundary.
• Particles can move around within the liquid, allowing them to flow and acquire the shape of the container.
• Liquids have a fixed volume but no fixed shape.
• Expansion and contraction are negligible in the liquid state.

Gas State

• Particles are far apart, with negligible intermolecular interactions.
• Gas molecules move in straight lines in random directions until they collide with other molecules or the container walls.
• Collisions are elastic, conserving the total kinetic energy of the system.
• Gases can flow, acquire the shape of the container, and expand or contract to fill the available space.
• Gases do not have a fixed shape or a fixed volume.

Plasma State

• Particles are far apart, similar to gases, but with a portion of the negative charge (electrons) separated from the positive charge (nucleus).
• Atoms in the plasma state are ionized.
• Plasma is the most common state of matter in the universe, but rare on Earth.
• Examples of plasma on Earth include matter in electrical arcs, lightning, and neon signs.

Learn about the four physical states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Understand how heat affects the transition between these states.