The three fundamental states of matter are:
Solid
- In a solid state, particles are closely packed together in a fixed, orderly arrangement.
- The particles vibrate but do not move from their fixed positions.
- Solids have a definite shape and volume.
- Examples: ice, wood, and metal.
Liquid
- In a liquid state, particles are still close together, but they are not in a fixed position. They can move past one another.
- Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.
Examples: water, oil, and milk.
Gas
- In a gas state, particles are widely spaced and move freely at high speeds.
- Gases do not have a definite shape or volume, as they expand to fill the shape and volume of their container.
- Examples: air, oxygen, and helium.
These states of matter are based on the arrangement and motion of particles at the molecular level. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause substances to transition between these states. For example, heating a solid may turn it into a liquid (melting), and further heating may turn the liquid into a gas (vaporization). Similarly, cooling a gas may cause it to condense into a liquid, and further cooling may cause the liquid to solidify (freeze).
