Phases of Matter

· Solids

· Liquids

· Gases

· Plasma

Phase Changes

· Temperature remains constant during phase changes

· Most matter exists in all three phases

· Solids are frozen regardless of temperature

Solids

· Particles are closely packed

· Made of repeating patterns called crystals

· Can vibrate in position only

· Have definite shape and volume

Liquids

· Particles are loosely packed

· Particles flow around each other

· Definite volume but not shape

· Takes shape of container

Gas

· Particles are evenly dispersed

· Particles freely move and collide

· Fills the space in a container

· No definite shape or volume

Plasma

· Exists in Sun/stars(1,000,000°C +)

· Earth examples include lightning, fire, fluorescent lights, and Aurora Borealis

· Plasmas conduct electricity; gas will not