What are the States of Matter?
The states of matter are distinct forms that different phases of matter take on. Traditionally, there are four primary states: solids, liquids, gases, and plasma.
1. Solids
In solids, particles are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement. This results in a definite shape and volume. Examples include ice and metal.
2. Liquids
Liquids have particles that are still close but can move past one another, giving them a fixed volume but no fixed shape. They take the shape of their container, such as water in a glass.
3. Gases
Gas particles are far apart and move freely, allowing gases to fill any container they occupy. They have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume, exemplified by oxygen in the air.
4. Plasma
Plasma consists of ionized gases with free-moving charged particles. It is found in stars, including the sun, and contributes to phenomena such as lightning.
Additional States
There are also more complex states of matter, such as Bose-Einstein condensates and fermionic condensates, typically observed under extreme conditions. Learning about these states enhances our understanding of physics and chemistry.