States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas, and Plasma

 Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Everything around you—water, air, your desk, even your body—is made up of matter. Matter exists in different states (or phases), and the most common ones are:

1. Solid

2. Liquid

3. Gas

4. Plasma

1. Solid

Definition:
A solid has a definite shape and volume. This means it keeps its shape and size no matter where you put it.

Particle Behavior:
Particles in a solid are tightly packed and vibrate in place. They don’t move around freely, which is why solids are rigid and hold their shape.

Examples:

• Ice

• Wood

• Rocks

• Metal

• Your phone or book

Fun Fact:
Even though particles don’t move much in a solid, they’re still vibrating all the time!

2. Liquid

Definition:
A liquid has a definite volume but no definite shape. It takes the shape of the container it's in.

Particle Behavior:
Particles in a liquid are close together, but they can slide past each other, which makes liquids flow.

Examples:

• Water

• Juice

• Oil

• Milk

Fun Fact:
Liquids have surface tension, which lets small insects walk on water!

 3. Gas

Definition:
A gas has no definite shape or volume. It spreads out to fill any space or container.

Particle Behavior:
Particles in a gas are far apart and move freely and quickly in all directions.

Examples:

• Air (a mix of gases)

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Helium (in balloons)

Fun Fact:
You breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide—both are gases!

 4. Plasma

Definition:
Plasma is a high-energy state of matter where some electrons are free from atoms, making the substance electrically charged.

Particle Behavior:
Particles in plasma move very fast and are made up of charged ions and electrons.

Examples:

• The Sun and stars 🌞

• Lightning ⚡

• Neon signs

• Plasma TVs

Fun Fact:
Plasma is the most common state of matter in the universe, even though we don’t see it often on Earth!