Chemistry in a Nutshell: States of Matter
Level 3
Adapted from the Tarheel Reader book by wpage
Matter is anything that takes up space.
Matter is formed by atoms.
Did you know matter have different forms. They are
called "States of Matter".
There are three states of matter.
A solid has a definite shape and the atoms do not move.
It cannot take the shape of a container
Ice is a solid.
A liquid does not have a definite shape and the atoms
can flow. It can take the shape of a container.
Rain is a liquid.
It can take the shape of a container.
A gas does not have a definite shape and the atoms
move the most. It can spread out to fit any container.
Steam is a gas.
Air is a gas.
It can spread out to fit any container.
Solids turn into liquids when it is hot. This is called
melting.
Liquids turn into gases when it is really hot. It is called
evaporation.
Gases turn into liquids when it is cold. It is called
condensation.
Liquids turn into solids when it is really cold. It is called
freezing.