The States of Matter: Solid — Passage and Quiz

Matter is anything that takes up space and mass. All matter exists in one of three main physical states: solid, liquid or gas. In a solid, particles are packed tightly together so they can only vibrate in place, keeping a definite shape and volume. Solids also cannot be easily compressed. Particles in a liquid flow freely past each other and have a definite volume but change shape based on their container. Liquids can be poured easily. Gas particles move very rapidly and spread out, changing both shape and volume to fit their container. Adding or removing heat energy causes physical changes between the states of matter.