Do you know what the three states of matter are? If not, this blog post has all the information that you need! The first state is gas. Gases are substances with no definite shape or volume and they can be found in the air.

The second state is liquid. Liquids have a definite shape and volume but still, have flowing properties like water or oil. And lastly, there’s solid. Solids have a fixed shape and volume like metals or rocks.

All about the 3 states of matter lesson plan

Matter surrounds you daily, what we touch, and see are all made up of matter. Anything that has mass and takes up space is the general definition of what matter is, and it has to have volume.

What is the matter?

Matter is made up of atoms that contain protons, neutrons, and electrons. These all come together to form molecules. When the molecules mix with the atoms they form an energetic bond. 

Mass is measured by the amount of matter inside an object. While it is very similar to weight, the weight of an object is slightly different because the weight has to do with the gravitational pull on an object. While mass has to do with the amount of matter inside of that object. For example, a balloon has a lot of mass but little weight. 

The volume of an object has to do with space it takes up. Different states that matter conforms to will have different volume amounts. For example, an ice cube has a larger volume than liquid water. 

The matter is made of three different core states. There have been two other states claimed in the matter, but these are the main three we will be going over. 

What are the three states of matter?

The three states of matter are solid, liquid and gas. These are the three distinguished states of matter before the fourth state of plasma was discovered. There is also a fifth state called BE Condensates. The reason we have different states of matter is dependent on the physical state and energy of the object (atoms/molecules). In this article, we are focusing on the three core states of matter. 

Properties of Each State of Matter

What are the three states of matter and what is their makeup?

Solids are made up of molecules that are closely packed together, this means they are side by side and closely packed. The bond or force between these molecules is so strong they can not move around freely inside.

The particles inside vibrate together to keep energy moving but since they are tightly packed they can not move farther than a vibration. The only way this state can change chape is if it is broken down into parts. This state of matter can not be compressed due to its tightly packed particles. 

Liquids are made up of molecules that are close together but not tightly packed. This type of structure is more mobile and freely moving than solids. There is a bit more room to move around in liquid form.

This type can change its shape but keep its constant volume. The only exception is water. Water particles are actually closer together compared to ice particles.  In liquid form, the particles aren’t touching each other as you see in solids or gases

They roll over each other as they move. For example, if you pour liquid into a different container they change shape depending on their surroundings. 

Because the particles are slightly less packed in and more freely moving, liquids can be slightly compressed. 

Gasses have particles that are widely spaced out and travel very fast. This means that their bonds are very weak or nonexistent. Gas will conform to the shape of it’s container and also expand to fill the container completely. Usually, they travel in a line from one side to the other.

They bounce off of each other or the sides in a fast motion. They are highly compressible which means that their volume can be changed when pressure is given to the molecule. 

Examples of Each Form of Matter 

Solids:

• Brick 
• Sand 
• Rock 
• Glass

Liquid:

• Water 
• Gasoline
• Blood 
• Mercury 

Gas:

• Oxygen
• Helium
• Water Vapor 
• Hydrogen 

How Does it Change from One State to Another?

So how does a molecule change its state of matter? It all has to do with energy exchange within the molecule. For example, if you heat an object or cool an object, this adds or subtracts energy from the matter, allowing it to change its state.

Adding or removing energy is what contributes to the change of its shape. Another way they can change shape is by pressure or movement. 

Each change of state or transfer of energy has a name:

• Melting = Solid to Liquid
• Evaporation = Liquid to Gas
• Condensation = Gas to Liquid 
• Freezing = Liquid to Solid 
• Deposition = Gas to Solid 
• Sublimation = Solid to Gas 

How do you know if something is a solid, liquid, or gas?

It’s pretty easy to tell if something is a solid, liquid, or gas. A solid has a set volume and definite shape to it. A liquid conforms its shape to its surroundings but has a definite volume. A gas has neither volume nor shape to it. 

Summing it Up 

Matter is all around us daily. In our homes, our work, our schools, and outside. Every time you breathe in air, that is a form of matter. Every time you drink a glass of water, that is a form of matter.

Matter is the smallest particle and can be broken down into smaller pieces without harm. It’s crazy to think that without matter we wouldn’t be able to function daily, since it is a viable resource in our lives. 

Matter was distinguished back in the day by its bulk properties. There are two other classic states called plasma and BE Condensates. The three distinguished states (solid, liquid, gas) can be transformed into the other two classical states under the right conditions as well. 

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It has to do with the amount of energy intake and outtake in a molecule. Energy levels affect a molecule’s state, physical form, and bond. 

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