What are the Three States of Matter?

The three states of matter are solid, liquid and gas. These different states of matter are dependent on the motions and forces of the molecules of which they are composed and as such, they differ in the way in which the molecules are arranged.

Solids contain particles that are attracted to each other by strong forces. These forces cause the particles to arrange themselves in a closely packed pattern. These particles vibrate, but do not change position. The attractive forces among the particles of a solid are strong enough to hold these particles together in a fixed position within the solid and thus maintain the solid in a definite shape.

Liquids contain strong forces of attraction between their particles. They are closely packed but not in a pattern. These particles are constantly moving and so the particles change their position. The attractive forces among the ultimate particles of a liquid are sufficiently strong enough to hold them together but are not strong enough to hold them in a fixed position.

Gases have weak forces of attraction between the particles. These particles have a lot of kinetic (movement) energy. They are in constant random motion. The particles are far apart (essentially independent of each other) and are not fixed in a pattern. Thus , gas is everywhere.

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