There are three basic states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. A fourth state of matter, plasma is simply an electrically charged gas.
Solids are defined as matter that has a definite shape and volume. In other words it has its own shape (however there are some solids that flow like putty) and we can measure the volume by either using a mathematical equation or the method of displacement (put the object in water and see how much it displaces).
Liquids are defined as matter that has a definite volume, but not a definite shape. The volume of a liquid can be measured using a beaker, graduated cylinder, measuring cup, etc and is often described in the amount of mL or liters. However, liquids take the shape of their container. That is why when you pour lemonade into a glass it takes the shape of the glass. Or if you fill a balloon with water it takes the shape of the balloon- that is until you throw it at the ground in front of your best friend.
Gases are defined as matter that does not have a definite shape nor a definite volume. Like a liquid gases take the shape of their container. Like when you blow up a balloon the carbon dioxide and other gases take the shape of the balloon. In addition, we are unable to measure the volume because the molecules a moving around too much to get a truly accurate measurement.
Plasma is similar to a gas, but there are extra electrons so it is charged. Think lightning.
Examples:
Solids: Candy Bar, Pencil, Window, Tissue, and Salt
Liquids: Gasoline, Corn Syrup, Dish Soap, Blood, and Glue
Gases: Nitrogen, Water Vapor, and Helium
Solids are defined as matter that has a definite shape and volume. In other words it has its own shape (however there are some solids that flow like putty) and we can measure the volume by either using a mathematical equation or the method of displacement (put the object in water and see how much it displaces).
Liquids are defined as matter that has a definite volume, but not a definite shape. The volume of a liquid can be measured using a beaker, graduated cylinder, measuring cup, etc and is often described in the amount of mL or liters. However, liquids take the shape of their container. That is why when you pour lemonade into a glass it takes the shape of the glass. Or if you fill a balloon with water it takes the shape of the balloon- that is until you throw it at the ground in front of your best friend.
Gases are defined as matter that does not have a definite shape nor a definite volume. Like a liquid gases take the shape of their container. Like when you blow up a balloon the carbon dioxide and other gases take the shape of the balloon. In addition, we are unable to measure the volume because the molecules a moving around too much to get a truly accurate measurement.
Plasma is similar to a gas, but there are extra electrons so it is charged. Think lightning.
Examples:
Solids: Candy Bar, Pencil, Window, Tissue, and Salt
Liquids: Gasoline, Corn Syrup, Dish Soap, Blood, and Glue
Gases: Nitrogen, Water Vapor, and Helium