States of Matter and Particle Theory

States of Matter

States

• Matter exists in three states: solids, liquids, and gases.
• Each state has different properties.

Solids

• Keep the same shape and volume.
• Cannot be compressed or poured.
• Particles are in a fixed pattern, tightly packed, and strongly held together.
• Particles vibrate but stay in place.

Liquids

• Take the shape of their container.
• Can be poured but not compressed.
• Maintain a constant volume.
• Particles touch each other but are weakly held together.
• Particles can move past each other, allowing liquids to change shape.

Gases

• Flow like liquids and fill any closed container.
• Easily compressed, and volume can change.
• Particles do not touch and are far apart.
• Particles spread out to fill the available space, allowing gases to change shape.