Inspire Science Unit 1 :lesson 4 Solids, Liquids, Gasses

solid

A state of matter characterized by fixed shape and volume, where molecules are closely packed together and vibrate in place.

liquid

A state of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container, with molecules that are less tightly packed than in a solid and can flow.

gas

A state of matter that has no fixed shape or volume, where molecules move freely and are far apart from each other.

water vapor

the gaseous state of water that occurs when water boils or evaporates, consisting of water molecules in the form of gas.

evaporation

The process by which liquid water changes into water vapor, typically due to an increase in temperature or decrease in pressure, causing molecules to gain enough energy to enter the gaseous state.

condensing

The process by which gas changes into a liquid state, typically when temperature decreases, causing molecules to lose energy and come closer together.

freezing

The process by which a liquid turns into a solid state, usually due to a decrease in temperature, leading molecules to lose energy and arrange into a rigid structure.

melting

The process by which a solid turns into a liquid state, typically due to an increase in temperature, causing molecules to gain energy and move apart.