From The Chemistry Book
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There are six phases or states of matter but students in high school chemistry only need to focus on solids, liquids, gases, and plasma. Liquids and solids are often referred to as condensed phases because the particles are very close together.
Solids
Particles in a solid are tightly packed, usually in a regular pattern.
Particles in a solid vibrate (jiggle) but generally do not move from place to place.
- Example
- Water can take the form of a solid, which can be an ice cube or glacier.
Liquids
Particles in a liquid are close together with no regular arrangement.
Particles in a liquid vibrate, move about, and slide past each other.
- Example
- Water, apple juice, chocolate milk, etc. are liquids.
Gases
Particles in a gas are well separated with no regular arrangement.
Particles in a gas vibrate and move freely at high speeds.
- Example
- Water can take the form of a gas called steam. Another example is the air you breathe, which includes oxygen.
