STATES OF MATTER

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Matter exists in different physical forms called states of matter.

🔬 Particle Nature of Matter

Matter is made up of tiny particles.

Characteristics of Particles:

• Have spaces between them

• Are constantly moving

• Attract each other

Change of State

Matter can change from one state to another by changing:

• Temperature

• Pressure

🔹 Effect of Temperature

Increasing temperature:

• Increases particle movement

• Reduces force of attraction

• Causes expansion

🔹 Effect of Pressure

Increasing pressure:

• Brings particles closer

• Can convert gas into liquid

🔹 Three Main States of Matter

1️⃣ Solid

• Fixed shape

• Fixed volume

• Particles are tightly packed

• Very strong force of attraction

Examples: Ice, Wood, Iron

2️⃣ Liquid

• No fixed shape (takes container’s shape)

• Fixed volume

• Particles are less tightly packed

Examples: Water, Oil, Milk

3️⃣ Gas

• No fixed shape

• No fixed volume

• Particles are very far apart

• Very weak force of attraction

Examples: Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Air

Important Processes:

  

Change	Process Name
Solid →  Liquid	Melting
Liquid →Solid.	Freezing
Liquid → Gas	Evaporation / Boiling
Gas → Liquid	Condensation
Solid → Gas	Sublimation

🌫️ Plasma (Fourth State of Matter)

• Found in Sun and stars

• Consists of ionized gases

• Conducts electricity

❄️ Bose–Einstein Condensate (Fifth State)

• Formed at extremely low temperature

• Atoms move very slowly

• Behaves like a single super atom

📊 Properties Comparison Table

   

Property	Solid	Liquid	Gas
Shape.	Fixed	Not fixed	Not fixed
Volume	Fixed	Fixed	Not fixed
Density	High	Medium	Low
Compressibility	Negligible	Low	High
Diffusion	Very slow	Slow.	Fast

🧪 Gas Laws

Boyle’s Law

Pressure inversely proportional to volume (at constant temperature).

Charles’ Law

Volume directly proportional to temperature (at constant pressure).

Avogadro’s Law

Equal volumes of gases contain equal number of molecules (at same temp & pressure).