In this article, we’re going to talk about States of Matter in physical chemistry. You might be wondering what that is - well, it’s just a fancy way of describing the different forms that matter can take. There are three main States of Matter that we’ll be looking at: solid, liquid, and gas. But did you know that there’s also a fourth state called plasma? We’ll be diving deep into that too!

Now, let’s talk about the States of Matter that you’re already familiar with: ice, water, and steam. Even though they’re made up of the exact same elements, they each have different structures and characteristics. Pretty cool, huh? That’s why they’re such great examples of States of Matter. We’ll also be exploring how matter can change from one state to another. And, to give you a better understanding of all this, we’ll be giving you some real-life examples of States of Matter. So, buckle up and get ready for a fascinating journey through the world of States of Matter!

States of matter definition

States of matter are the different forms in which matter can exist, such as solid, liquid, and gas. These states are characterised by their structure, arrangement of particles, intermolecular forces, and relative energy. Let's take a closer look at each of these states, starting with solids.

In a solid, particles are held together very closely in a regular pattern. There are strong intermolecular forces between particles, which means that they can't move freely but instead vibrate around a fixed spot. This gives solids a definite shape and volume, regardless of their container. The particles also have low energy.

The Celsius scale, invented by Anders Celsius in 1742, is based on defined and measurable states of matter. It measures temperature with 0 indicating the melting point of water and 100 indicating its boiling point at sea level. There are three main states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has different properties and characteristics, and they can be represented by the particle model.

While states of matter refer to the different physical forms matter can take, a phase is a chemically distinct, physically uniform region of a species. This means that each phase has the same structure, density, index of refraction, and magnetisation. States of matter are examples of phases, but there can be different phases within each state. For instance, solid ice has many different phases with unique crystal structures.

‍

You'll look at different types of solids in the article "Lattice Structures". There, you'll be able to compare molecular, covalent, ionic and metallic lattice structures and their properties.

Liquid state of matter

When a solid is heated, it can turn into a liquid. In a liquid, the particles are randomly arranged but still held together closely by intermolecular forces. These forces are partially overcome, allowing the particles to move around more freely than in a solid. Liquids can flow to take the shape of their container, but they still have a definite volume. This is because the particles have more energy than those in a solid due to the heat energy added to the system.

As the heating continues, the liquid may eventually turn into a gas. In a gas, the particles are widely separated and have very little interaction with each other. They move around rapidly and independently, filling the entire container they are in. Gases have no fixed shape or volume, as they can expand to fill any available space. They also have the highest energy of the three states of matter, due to the heat energy added. In conclusion, states of matter describe the different physical forms matter can take, such as solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has unique properties and characteristics, and they can be represented by the particle model. By adding heat energy to a system, we can cause matter to change states and transition from one state to another.

‍

Gas state of matter

The third main state of matter is indeed gas. Gases are produced when a liquid is heated to an even higher temperature, causing the particles to gain even more energy and break apart from each other. In gases, the particles are randomly arranged and are spaced very far apart. There are almost no intermolecular forces between particles, and this means that they move freely in all directions at high speeds and have a lot of energy.

Gases do not have a fixed volume or shape, which means they can fill any container they are placed in. Unlike solids and liquids, gases can be compressed, which means that their volume can be reduced by applying pressure. This property of gases makes them useful in many industrial and scientific applications, such as in the compression of air to power engines or in gas chromatography in analytical chemistry.

In summary, the three main states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Each state is characterised by its unique properties, such as the arrangement of particles, intermolecular forces, and energy levels. By adding heat energy, matter can be transformed from one state to another, with solids becoming liquids and then gases as the energy is increased. Understanding the different states of matter is crucial in many fields of science and plays a vital role in our daily lives.

‍

Ideal gases

You have provided an excellent explanation of ideal gases and their properties. Indeed, ideal gases are theoretical gases that don't have any intermolecular interactions or forces, and their molecules are assumed to be particles with no volume. This allows them to follow the ideal gas law, which relates pressure, temperature, volume, and the number of moles of the gas. The ideal gas law is a powerful tool in chemistry as it can be used to make predictions about the behaviour of gases under different conditions.

However, real gases deviate from the ideal gas law under certain conditions, such as high pressure or low temperature. This is because real gases do have intermolecular interactions and forces, and their molecules have a finite volume. These deviations can be accounted for using correction factors or other equations of state.

You also mentioned the fourth state of matter, plasma. Plasma is created by heating a gas to a very high temperature, or by applying a strong electric or magnetic field. In plasma, the particles are ionised, meaning that they have lost or gained electrons and become charged. This gives plasma unique properties, such as the ability to conduct electricity and respond to magnetic fields. Plasma is found in many natural and artificial phenomena, such as lightning, flames, and fluorescent lights.

In summary, understanding the different states of matter and their properties is essential in many fields of science and technology. Ideal gases and their law are useful tools for predicting the behaviour of gases under different conditions, while real gases and plasma have unique properties that make them important in many applications.

‍

You'll find plasma in stars, neon lights, plasma televisions and lightning.

Comparing states of matter

To help consolidate your learning, we've created a handy table comparing the three main states of matter:

‍

Changes in states of matter

You have provided an accurate explanation of the changes in states of matter. Heating a solid increases its temperature until it reaches its melting point, where it starts to melt and turn into a liquid. This is because the thermal energy supplied is used to overcome the intermolecular forces holding the solid together. Once all of the solid has melted, its temperature increases again until it reaches its boiling point. At this point, the substance starts to boil and turn into a gas, as the thermal energy supplied is used to overcome the remaining intermolecular forces between the particles.

On the other hand, cooling a gas causes it to condense into a liquid and then freeze into a solid at its freezing point. Some solids can go straight from a solid to a gas, skipping the liquid state altogether. This process is known as sublimation. The reverse process, turning from a gas to a solid, is known as deposition.

These changes in states of matter are fundamental to many natural and industrial processes. For example, the melting and boiling points of substances are used to determine their purity and identify unknown substances. The ability of some substances to sublimate is used in freeze-drying and other industrial processes. Understanding these changes is essential in fields such as chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Here's a handy diagram showing you the names of the changes from one state of matter to another:

‍

Thank you for the suggestion. It's worth noting that plasma is a state of matter that is less commonly encountered in our everyday lives compared to solids, liquids, and gases. Plasma is a highly ionized gas that contains charged particles such as ions and free electrons. Examples of naturally-occurring plasmas include lightning bolts, the sun's corona, and the Northern Lights. Man-made plasmas are used in technologies such as fluorescent lights, plasma TVs, and plasma cutting tools.

In addition to the examples you provided, there are many other examples of states of matter in the world around us. For instance, air is a mixture of gases that we breathe in every day. It's also worth noting that some substances can exist in more than one state of matter under different conditions. For example, carbon can exist as a solid (diamond), a liquid (molten carbon), a gas (carbon dioxide), and a plasma (in stars). Understanding the properties and behaviors of different states of matter is crucial for many scientific and technological applications.

States of Matter - Key takeaways States of matter are distinct physical forms in which matter can exist. The three main states of matter are solid, liquid and gas. The particles in these states have different arrangements, speeds and energy levels, amongst other properties: The particles in a solid are held together very closely in a fixed position. They have  low energy and vibrate on the spot. The particles in a liquid are held together closely but are able to move around. They have  slightly higher energy than the particles in a solid. The particles in a gas are spread far apart and move around rapidly. They have very high energy. There is a fourth state of matter, known as plasma. Plasma is made by ionising a gas and so contains charged particles. Changing states of matter involves heating orcooling a substance. When a substance changes state, its temperature remains the same until all of the particles are in the new state. Examples of states of matter include water, H2O. As a solid, it is known as ice and as a gas, it is known as steam.

States of Matter

What are states of matter?

States of matter are one the distinct physical forms in which matter can exist. There are three main states of matter: solid, liquid and gas. However, plasma is another common state of matter.

What are examples for describing states of matter?

The most common example you'll come across for describing states of matter is water. At temperatures below 0°C, it forms a solid we call ice. At temperatures above 100°C, it boils to form a gas we call steam. At temperatures in between, it is found in its liquid state.

What are solid and liquid states of matter?

Solid and liquid are two distinct states of matter. The particles in a solid are arranged very closely together and vibrate on the spot with a low energy. Solids also have a fixed volume and shape. The particles in a liquid, on the other hand, are packed less closely together and move about randomly with more energy. Although liquids still have a definite volume, they change shape to fill their container.

What is gas state of matter?

Gas is a type of state of matter, in which the particles are spaced far apart and move about quickly and randomly, with a lot of energy. Gases don't have a fixed volume or shape. Instead, they expand to fill their container.

What causes states of matter to change?

Heating or cooling a substance causes it to change its state of matter. The thermal energy is used to increase the kinetic energy of the particles and overcome some of the intermolecular forces between them, causing a change of state.

‍