Everything around us is made of matter. Matter is made up of particles and depending on how these particles are arranged, it exists in three states: solid, liquid and gas. 

In solids, the particles are very close to one another and they have a strong force of attraction between them. As a result, solids have a definite shape and volume. Can you think of some examples?

In liquids, particles are close together but further apart than the particles in solids. This means that the force between them is weaker so they have volume. Liquids take the shape of the container they are in. What examples can you think of?  Click here to watch 10 amazing science tricks with liquid.

In gases, the particles of matter are very far away from each other, so the force of attraction between them is  very weak. They have no definite shape or volume. Did you think of some examples?

Matter can change from one state to another if heated, cooled or mixed (we will look at this later).  If ice (a solid) is heated, it changes to water (a liquid). This change is called melting. If water is heated, it evaporates and changes to steam (a gas). This is called a REVERSIBLE change as it can be changed back to its original form. It can be changed from gas back to liquid (water), and from liquid back to solid (ice), simply by cooling it.

But, is it possible for a substance to be in all states at the same time..? Click HERE to see a video that shows you just that! 

I hope that got you thinking…

Ready to test yourself??? Click on the test icon below to have a go at the Study Jams quiz! 

Till next time…

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