States of Matter

physics · matter · transformation · energy

Solids hold their shape. A solid like a rock or ice keeps the same shape no matter what container you put it in. The atoms in a solid are packed tightly together and vibrate in place.

Liquids flow and adapt. Water is a liquid, and it takes the shape of whatever cup or bowl you pour it into. Liquid atoms are closer together than gas atoms but looser than solid atoms, so they can move around and slide past each other.

Gases spread everywhere. Air is a gas, and it fills the entire room you're in. Gas atoms zoom around freely and space themselves far apart, which is why you can't see most gases.

Plasma glows brightly. Plasma is the fourth state, and it's what lightning, neon signs, and the sun are made of. Plasma forms when a gas gets so hot that its atoms break apart into charged particles that glow with light and energy.