Phases of Matter Now that you know all matter is made of atoms and molecules, let’s talk about the different types of matter that exist. Matter can exist as a solid, liquid, gas or plasma. Let’s go over the characteristics of each of these phases of matter. PLASMA

Phases of Matter Solids Solids What do you think of when you hear the word solid? Something strong and hard like a rock? That can definitely be true, and a rock is certainly a solid, but some solids can also be soft like a pillow. A solid is any type of matter that has a definite volume* and a definite shape. *Volume is the amount of space something takes up. So matter that is a solid takes up a certain amount of space that doesn’t change. Photo by Siim Sepp. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons 6/15/09

Phases of Matter Solids More information about solids: Chem 4 Kids - Solids Characteristics of Solids Solids have a definite volume (size). Solids have a definite shape. The atoms and molecules in solids are packed close together. The atoms and molecules in solids have very low energy. Solid particles stacked closely together.

Phases of Matter Liquids Liquids Liquids are the next state of matter. Liquids, like solid have a definite volume (take up a specific amount of space) but liquids do not have a definite shape. Liquids take the shape of whatever container they are in.

Phases of Matter Liquids More information about liquids: Chem 4 Kids - Liquids Characteristics of Liquids Liquids have a definite volume (size). Liquids do not have a definite shape. The atoms and molecules in liquids are close together, but have plenty of room to slide around. The atoms and molecules in liquids have medium energy. Liquid particles close together with room to move.

Phases of Matter Gases Gases Gases are the third state of matter. Gases do not have a definite volume and do not have a definite shape. Because the molecules of gases are so spread apart, they are not able to keep their shape. They take on the shape and size of whatever container they are in. Examples of gases include air, steam, and helium.

Phases of Matter Gases More information about gases: Chem 4 Kids - Gases Characteristics of Gases Gases do not have a definite volume (size). Gases do not have a definite shape. The atoms and molecules in gases are very spread apart and moving very fast. The atoms and molecules in gases have high energy. Gas particles spread out and moving fast.

Phases of Matter Plasma Plasma Plasma is the last state of matter. Plasmas are a lot like gases, but the atoms are different. 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. It takes a very special environment to keep plasmas going. They are different and unique from the other states of matter. Examples of plasma include stars, a fluorescent light bulb’s glow or the glow from a neon sign. On Earth, plasma is naturally occurring in flames, lightning and the auroras.

Phases of Matter Plasma How you get plasma: Plasma is an ionized gas, a gas into which sufficient energy is provided to free electrons from atoms or molecules. In effect a plasma is a cloud of protons, neutrons and electrons where all the electrons have come loose from their respective molecules and atoms, giving the plasma the ability to act as a whole rather than as a bunch of atoms. Where it is found: Plasmas are the most common state of matter in the universe comprising more than 99% of our visible universe and most of the non-visible. Plasma occurs naturally and makes up the stuff of our sun and the core of stars.

Phases of Matter Energy and Phases Energy causes matter to change phases. If you add energy to a solid, the particles will begin to move faster and spread further apart until the solid becomes a liquid. You can see that process in action by taking a piece of ice out of the freezer and placing it in a glass. If you wait long enough, the energy in the room will melt the solid ice into liquid water.

Phases of Matter Energy and Phases If you keep adding energy to the ice, for example by placing it in a pan on the stove, the molecules will continue to move faster and spread even further apart until the ice is all liquid, then the liquid will boil and turn into a gas.

Phases of Matter Energy and Phases Energy can work in the opposite direction with phases too. If you take away energy from a gas, the molecules slow down and become a liquid. If you take away energy from a liquid, the molecules can slow down enough to become a solid. Ice Cube Tray by Dr. Haggis. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons 6/15/09

Phases of Matter Energy and Phases