3.3.1

States of Matter

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States of Matter

There are 3 different states of matter.

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Solids

  • A solid has a fixed shape because of the strong forces between its particles.
  • Solids cannot be compressed because their particles are already very close together and cannot flow.
  • The particles in a solid are arranged in an ordered pattern.
  • The particles in a solid move around a fixed point.
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Liquids

  • Liquids cannot be compressed because their particles are already very close together.
  • In a liquid, the particles are in contact with one another, but they can still move. This allows a liquid to flow and take the shape of its container.
  • Particles in a liquid are arranged in a disordered pattern.
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Gases

  • Gases can be compressed because their particles are very far apart.
    • When water evaporates to become steam (gas), its volume increases by 1000x.
  • The particles in a gas are free to move in any direction. Because of this, a gas can flow, has no fixed shape and completely fills its container.
  • The particles in a gas move randomly and are not organised in any way.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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