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States of Matter

Substances can exist in 3 different states of matter.

Solid

Solid

  • 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.
Liquid

Liquid

  • 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.
Gas

Gas

  • 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
1

Forces & Motion

1.1

Basics of Motion

1.2

Forces

1.3

Effects of Forces

1.4

Stopping Distance

1.5

Forces & Elasticity

2

Electricity

3

Waves

4

Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5

Solids, Liquids & Gases

6

Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7

Radioactivity & Particles

8

Astrophysics

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