solid liquid gas solids definite shape definite volume atoms are tightly packed rigid strong bonds
TRANSCRIPT
LiquidsNO definite shape (take shape of container)Definite volumeAtoms are less tightly packedFluid (able to flow)Medium strength bonds
GasesNO definite shape (only contained in air-tight
containers)NO definite volume (gas can be compressed)Atoms are NOT packed togetherFluid (able to flow)NO bonds
What is the Fourth State of Matter?Plasma!
plasma is a partially ionized gas (charged gas), in which some of electrons are free rather than being bonded to an atom or molecule. The ability of the positive and negative charges to move somewhat independently makes the plasma electrically conductive so that it responds strongly to electromagnetic fields. Plasma typically takes the form of neutral gas-like clouds, as seen, for example, in the case of stars.
Plasmas are a lot like gases, but the atoms are different because they are made up of free electrons and ions of the element. You don't find plasmas too often when you walk around. They aren't things that happen regularly on Earth. If you have ever heard of the Northern Lights or ball lightning, you might know that those are types of plasmas. It takes a very special environment to keep plasmas going. They are different and unique from the other states of matter.
Plasma Basics
Finding A PlasmaYou won't find plasmas just anywhere. However, there may be some in front of you. Think about a fluorescent light bulb. They are not like regular light bulbs. Inside the long tube is a gas. Electricity flows through the tube when the light is turned on. The electricity acts as that special energy and charges up the gas. This charging and exciting of the atoms creates glowing plasma inside the bulb.
Plasma in StarsYou also see plasma when you look at stars. Stars are big balls of gases at really high temperatures. The high temperatures charge up the atoms and create plasma. Stars are another good example of how the temperature of plasmas can be very different.
But… did you know there is a
5th state of matter?It is called Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). The BEC happens at super low temperatures. We have talked about temperature scales and Kelvin. At zero Kelvin all molecular motion stops. Scientists have figured out a way to get a temperature only a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero. When temperatures get that low, you can create a BEC with a few special elements. Cornell and Weiman did it with Rubidium.
If plasmas are super hot and super excited atoms, the atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) are total opposites. They are super-unexcited and super-cold atoms.