Question

question 2: phases of matter (2 points)
a. what are the four states, or phases, of matter? describe the shape and volume properties of each phase. can they change, or are they fixed?
i.
shape:
volume:

ii.

shape:

volume:

Explanation:

The four states of matter are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. We'll describe two of them here (solid and liquid as a start, and can extend to gas and plasma).

i. Solid

• Shape: Fixed (solids have a definite shape because their particles are closely packed and held in a rigid structure, so they don't flow to take the shape of a container).
• Volume: Fixed (the particles are tightly arranged, and the amount of space they occupy doesn't change unless external forces like extreme pressure/temperature that cause phase change are applied, but in normal conditions, volume is fixed).

ii. Liquid

• Shape: Not fixed (liquids take the shape of their container because their particles are close but can move past each other, allowing them to flow).
• Volume: Fixed (the particles are still relatively close together, so the amount of space they occupy is constant; they don't expand to fill the entire container like gases do).

(For completeness, gas: Shape - not fixed (fills the container), Volume - not fixed (expands to fill the container); Plasma: Similar to gas in shape/volume properties but consists of ionized particles, common in stars, neon signs etc.)

Answer:

i. Solid

• Shape: Fixed (does not take the shape of its container)
• Volume: Fixed (does not change its volume in normal conditions)

ii. Liquid

• Shape: Not fixed (takes the shape of its container)
• Volume: Fixed (maintains a constant volume)