ShareMatter - States of Matter
The states or phases of matter are used to classify the kinds of matter that exist. Matter can exist in three states: Wyoming, Utah, and California... just kidding! :)
Really they are: 
, 
,
and 
.
Matter is made up of particles. These particles have characteristics specific to each of the individual states of matter. We can look at how the particles move, their proximity to each other and the shape(s) they can take.
View the different states of matter through the "magic magnifying glass."
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 |
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| Solid | Liquid | Gas |
As the temperature of matter increases, particles move faster because they have more energy. In a solid, particles have less energy, are tightly packed together (more dense) and do not move very much. Solids have a definite shape and volume. In a liquid, particles have more energy, are less tightly packed (less dense), and can move freely. Liquids have definite volume but no definite shape (instead, they take on the shape of the container). The particles in a gas have the most energy and are free to move around and so they spread out rapidly. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume and expand to fill the entire container. Thus, as the temperature of matter increases, its density decreases (particles get farther apart).
Look closely at the concept map below to see this relationship visually.
Figure this out!
The metal lid on your jar of jam won't open and your mother tells you to run hot water over the lid. Why?
A. Heat lowers the motion of particles which makes the lid contract and be easier to remove.
B. Heat increases the motion of particles in the lid causing it to expand and be easier to remove.
C. Heat will cause the glass to break so you will not have to worry about removing the lid.
D. Your mother is crazy.
Highlight the box below to see the correct answer!| B |
Test your knowledge: Look closely at each of the following photos and determine if they represent a solid, liquid, or gas. Select your answer from the drop down menu. When you finish, check your answer by highlighting the box below.
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1. Clouds | |
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2. Juice | |
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3. Ice |
Highlight the box below for the answer.
| 1. gas 2. liquid 3. solid |
Check your knowledge. Drag and choose an answer from each list to complete the following chart. When you finish, drag your mouse over the link below to check your answers.
| Substance | State | Movement | Proximity | Shape/Volume |
| ice | definite shape/volume | |||
| water | no definite shape; definite volume | |||
| steam | no definite shape or volume |
Drag your mouse over the link to view the answer key!
