States of Matter Explained

Question

What are the states of matter? Explain them in terms of volume and shape. Draw pictures showing arrangement of molecules for each state. Give real life examples.

Answer 1

The states of matter are:

1. Solid: has a definite volume and a definite shape. Example: Ice.
2. Liquid: has a definite volume, but no definite shape. Example: Water.
3. Gas: has no definite volume or shape. Example: Steam.

If your class is going this far, there is a 4th state called plasma, which also has no definite volume or shape either, but it differs from gas in that the electrons have been stripped from all of the atoms.

Answer 2

See video answer.