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# Matter Anything that occupies space and has mass is called matter. All living and non-living things are made of matter. The matter exists in three states. These states are solid, liquid and gas. The things of our daily use such as pencil, book, school bag, tiffin box, bread are all solids. We dri...

# Matter Anything that occupies space and has mass is called matter. All living and non-living things are made of matter. The matter exists in three states. These states are solid, liquid and gas. The things of our daily use such as pencil, book, school bag, tiffin box, bread are all solids. We drink water, juice and milk. They are liquids. The oxygen we breathe in and carbon dioxide we breathe out are examples of the gaseous state of matter. ## States of Matter A matter whether a solid, a liquid, or a gas, is made up of tiny particles called molecules. They are so tiny that they cannot be seen with naked eyes. A molecule is the smallest unit of matter that has all the properties of that particular matter. A molecule can be further broken down into atoms. For example, oxygen gas ($O_2$) that we inhale is a molecule. It is made up of two oxygen atoms. Thus, because the atoms form a molecule, we can say that atoms are the smallest unit of matter. The states of matter vary from each other based on the arrangement of molecules. Let us understand the characteristics of all the states of matter. ### Solids The molecules in solids are packed very tightly. They are held together by the strong forces of attraction. They have no space between them to move around. Due to the tight arrangement of molecules, the solids have the following features: - They have a definite shape and size. - They have a fixed volume. The amount of space occupied by an object is called volume. - They occupy space. - They cannot flow. - Solids have very less or no space between their molecules which makes them compact and hard to compress. ### Liquids The molecules in liquids are less tightly packed. There are empty spaces between them. The force of attraction between the molecules of liquids is weaker than solids. Based on these features, the liquids have the following characteristics: - Liquids do not have any fixed shape. They take the shape of the container in which they are kept. - They have a fixed volume. - The liquids occupy space. - The force of attraction between the molecules is weaker than solids. - Liquids can only flow from a higher level to a lower level. ### Gases The molecules in gases are very loosely packed. There is a lot of empty space between them. The intermolecular force of attraction is very weak. The gases can fill any space, so they do not have a fixed shape or volume. - Gases have no fixed shape. They take the shape of the container in which they are kept. - Gases have no fixed volume. They occupy the entire space that they are in. - Gases can easily flow. - Gases can get compressed. **Examples of Solids:** Brick, stone, wood, pencil, rubber and utensils. **Examples of Liquids:** Water, milk, oil, and juice. **Examples of Gases:** Air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The shape of some solids like newspaper, clay and sponge can be changed by applying force and they can also regain their shape. Clay can be moulded into different shapes for making toys, pots, and other items.