States (Phases) of Matter

Science 6
 Matter Can Exist in Four
Phases:

• 1. Solid
• 2. Liquid
• 3. Gas
• 4. Plasma
 Solids
Have a definite shape

Have a definite volume

Tiny particles that make up

a solid are packed very
closely together

Particles are able to vibrate!

A solid is able to keep its

definite shape.
 Liquids
A. Have no definite shape.
B. Have a definite volume.
C. Particles are free to move; not packed as tightly
as a solid.
D. Take the shape of a container. *What do you
think would happen if you tried to pour one liter of
water into a half-liter bottle? (The water will overflow)
 Liquids
Viscosity:
The resistance of a
liquid to flow.
• Honey has a high
viscosity compared to
water.
• Honey flows more
slowly than water.
• Automobile oil has a
high viscosity.
 Review
• Solids
– Have a definite ________________________
– Have a definite ________________________
– Particles are _____________ closely
together, but can _____________________.
• Liquids
– Have a no definite _____________ (take the
______________ of container)
– Have a definite ________________________
– Particles are ____________________, but
can _____________around one another.
 Gases
Have no definite shape.
Have no definite volume.
Fills all available space in a container.
• Particles tend to spread far out from one
another, but they can be pushed close
together such as in…
-Pumping air into a bicycle tire.
-Blowing up a balloon.
 Gases
If allowed, gases will expand without limit.
Gases would expand into space, but what
keeps them surrounding the Earth?
Gravity!
Solids, Liquids, and Gases
 Plasma
• Rare on Earth, but one of the most
common phases found in the universe.
• High in energy, so very dangerous to
living things.
• Stars, lightning, fluorescent lights
 Plasma
• The negatively charged electrons (yellow) are
freely streaming through the positively charged
ions (blue).
• Where electrons have come loose from their atoms or molecules because
they have taken in so much energy.
 Review, too!
• Gases
– Have a no definite _________, take _________ of
container.
– Have a no definite _________, spread out to fill container.
– Particles spread out and _____________ quickly around
one another.
• Plasma
– So much energy that _______________ separate from nucleus
of atom and move freely within the substance.

– Examples: __________________________________________
 Three States of Matter
• Link to Animation