States of Matter

Vocabulary review covering the characteristics and particle arrangements of solids, liquids, and gases.

Solid

A state of matter where particles are packed together in a fixed pattern; they vibrate to create kinetic energy and heat, but do not move otherwise, keeping their shape and size.

Liquid

A state of matter where particles can move and slide past each other while remaining close together; it takes the shape of the container but keeps the same volume.

Gas

A state of matter where particles are spread far apart and move around quickly in all directions; it fills the container and has no fixed position or volume.