Properties of solids:

Particles are bonded to each other….so:

1. Solids have a definite shape

2. Solids have a definite volume

Atoms can be bonded to each other in a definite pattern.

…called a “CRYSTAL”

In other solids, no pattern exists:

These materials are amorphous

GLASS is an example of an amorphous solid

(a=without, morph=form)

Properties of Liquids:

Particles are not bonded too rigidly to each other….so:

1. Liquids take the shape of their container

2. Liquids have a definite volume – they cannot be compressed!

Properties of Gases

2. Gases expand to fill the space they’re in, and can be compressed into smaller spaces.

Particles are moving independently ofeach other….so:

1. Gases take the shape of their container

Plasma is a special, high energy, high temperature “ionized” gas.

Plasma

Solid Liquid Gas PlasmaENERGY !

DENSITY !(“compactness”)

cool / low hot / high

low / spread out

high /compact

Solid Liquid

Gas

ENERGY IN !

ENERGY OUT !

Melting

Sublimation

CondensationFreezing

Vaporization/evaporation

Deposition

Solid

Gas

GasSolid