States of Matter
Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 5.2.2
States of Matter
Substances can exist in 3 different states of matter.
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
- 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
- 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.
Test yourself on States of Matter
Why does heating a solid make its particles vibrate more, while heating a liquid makes its particles move faster?
Which state of matter can change shape and volume to fill a container?