State of Matter | Definition | Characteristics | Examples |
---|---|---|---|
Solid | Matter in a state where particles are closely packed and vibrate but do not move freely. | Definite shape and volume. | Ice, iron, wood. |
Liquid | Matter in a state where particles are close together but can move past each other. | Definite volume but no definite shape; takes shape of the container. | Water, oil, mercury. |
Gas | Matter in a state where particles are far apart and move freely. | No definite shape or volume; expands to fill the container. | Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen. |
Plasma | Ionized gas with high energy particles. | High energy, conducts electricity, and can be affected by magnetic fields. | Sun, stars, lightning. |