States of Matter for Fifth Grade

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, particle behavior, phase changes, and the water cycle.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space (takes up space).

Particles (Atoms or Molecules)

Tiny building blocks that make up all matter, far too small to see with the naked eye, which are always moving.

Solid

A state of matter with a fixed shape and volume; particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place.

Liquid

A state of matter with a fixed volume but no fixed shape (takes the shape of its container); particles are close and slide past each other.

Gas

A state of matter with no fixed shape or volume (fills the whole container and changes volume with pressure); particles are far apart and move freely.

Melting

The change of state from solid to liquid when heat is added.

Freezing

The change of state from liquid to solid when heat is removed.

Evaporation

The change of state from liquid to gas as particles gain energy.

Boiling

Rapid evaporation that occurs when a liquid reaches its boiling point.

Condensation

The change of state from gas to liquid as particles lose energy.

Sublimation

The change of state directly from solid to gas.

Precipitation

The stage of the water cycle where cloud droplets grow heavy enough to fall as rain, snow, or hail (liquid or solid).

Water Cycle

A continuous process where water changes state (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) in Earth's environment, linking all three states.