States of Matter and Thermal Energy

Flashcards covering definitions, characteristics, and examples of thermal energy and the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases.

Thermal Energy

The energy from the movement of particles in matter; related to heat.

Gas

A state of matter that has no definite shape or volume; spreads out to fill any space.

Liquid

A state of matter with a definite volume but no definite shape; takes the shape of its container.

Solid

A state of matter that has a definite shape and volume; particles are tightly packed.

Key characteristic of gas

No definite shape or volume; particles move fast and are spread out.

Key characteristic of liquid

Definite volume but no definite shape; particles are close but can move past each other.

Key characteristic of solid

Definite shape and volume; particles are tightly packed.

Examples of thermal energy

A hot cup of tea, boiling water, sun warming the sidewalk.

Examples of gas

Air, helium in a balloon, oxygen, carbon dioxide.

Examples of liquid

Water, juice, milk, oil.

Examples of solid

Ice, a book, a rock, a nail.