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Solids, Liquids, and Gases​

Atoms are tightly packed and DO NOT move past each other. They vibrate in place. ​

​​solids

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Atoms are packed tightly together. (but not as tightly as solids)

The atoms have enough room to flow, or slide, past each other. ​

Li quids

Atoms are NOT tightly packed together, and have so much energy they slip past each other quickly.​​

A gas will spread out to fill all the space in whatever container it is in. ​

Gases

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​Matter can exist in 3 basic states.

We can look at these 3 properties to figure out which state of matter an object is:

​Shape... How does it maintain its shape?

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Mass... How much matter does the object have?

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Volume... How much space does it take up? ​

Solids have a definite Shape ​

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Solids have a definite mass

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Solids have a definite volume​

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​Examples of Solids

Liquids do NOt have a definite shape

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Liquids have a definite mass

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Liquids have a definite volume​

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They take up a definite amount of space.

Because liquid molecules can move, they will take the shape of their container. ​

If unconfined, gases will spread out indefinitely.

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Remember the Theory of Conservation of Matter: Matter cannot be created or destroyed!

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Gases do NOt have a definite Shape

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Gases do not have a definite volume

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Gases have a definite mass ​

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​​Low Temperature Atoms

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high Temperature Atoms

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​As Temperature increases, the energy of motion increases.

​Meaning that the atoms move more quickly.

​Because the atoms move more quickly, most substances expand when heated.

Thermal Energy (Heat) is what changes a phase of matter

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Most substances can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas depending on temperature.

Argon Boils at -186 degrees Celsius, so when you hold it at room temperature you can see ALL 3 phases at the same time.

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TaLes from the Prep Room: Argon ICe​