Matter and EnergySection 1.4

States of Matter

I. States of MatterThe four familiar states of matter

are solid, liquid, gas and plasma.When a substance changes from

one state to another, the molecules in the substance do not change.

However the arrangement of molecules does change giving each state of matter its own characteristics.

A. Solid1. Has a definite volume and a

definite shape.2. Particles are close together

and form a regular pattern.3. Particles vibrate in place.

4. Particles of a solid

solid

Sketch this diagram.

B. Liquid1. Has a definite volume, but

indefinite shape.2. Usually takes the shape of

the container it is in.3. Particles move by sliding

past each other.

4. Particles of a liquid

liquid solidliquid

Sketch this diagram.

C. Gas1. Has indefinite volume and

indefinite shape.2. Particles not close together

and move quickly from one place to another.

3. Particles of a Gas

Sketch this diagram.

Gas BehaviorGas molecules are always in

motion, continually hitting each other and applying pressure to the sides of any container they are in.

As in a bicycle tire, the more molecules are put in, the harder the outside of the tire becomes.

The speed at which gas molecules move depends on the temperature: higher temperature molecules move faster.

Review: Solid, Liquid, and Gas particles

D. Plasma

1. Plasma is actually the most common form of matter – 99% of all visible matter in the universe.

In a plasma, a significant number of electrons have such high energy levels that no nucleus can hold them.

2. Earth Plasma examples

3. Plasma in the universe

Orion Nebula

Horsehead nebulaPlasma in the Sun

Which two characteristics determine the state of

matter?

The arrangement and the motion of particles

Which state of matter has particles that are farthest

apart?

Gas

Which state of matter has particles that are

generally close together?

Solid

Which state of matter has particles that can slide past each other but cannot move

freely in any direction?

Liquid