Matter

Definition

Everything around us that has mass is matter, and matter has 3 states, which are solid, liquid and gas

Solid

Particles in a solid structure are closely packed and rigidly arranged, and they cannot flow. Thus, they have a fixed shape. The force of attraction between particles are very strong.

Examples: ice, wood, metals, rocks, glass, concrete

Liquids

Particles are closely packed, but they are less rigid than solids. They can flow and thus, don’t have a fixed shape because they follow the shape of the container. The forces of attraction between particles are weaker than solids.

Example: water, oil, alcohol, mercury, blood, gasoline

Gas

They are randomly arranged and not closely packed, and there are a lot of empty spaces between particles. They can flow more freely than liquids, and also follow the shape of their container. The forces of attraction are very weak.

Examples: hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, argon