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Can a solid change state directly to a gaseous state?
A few substances (like camphor) directly transform into gas on exposure to air without going through the liquid state. This process is called sublimation.
Why is temperature not increased when ice melts to water?
The heat energy applied to solid ice breaks the bonding between particles and converts the solid into a liquid state of water. This heat energy doesn't contribute to temperature rise, that’s why it is called the latent heat of melting.
Does pressure have any impact on the boiling point of a liquid?
Yes, with the increase in pressure, the boiling point of liquid decreases, which means it starts boiling at a temperature below its normal boiling point.
Can metals be in their liquid state at room temperature?
Yes, metals like mercury remain in a liquid state at room temperature.
Why is the change of state from water to vapour a reversible change?
The conversion of water to vapour is reversible because no new products are formed in this process. Again, we can obtain the water from water vapour by reducing the temperature.
Three States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases
States of matter explain the existence of solids, liquids, and gases with different particle arrangements. Check out the properties and real-life examples of states of matter.
Nikita Aggarwal31 Jul, 2025
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The three states of matter, solids, liquids, and gases, are all around us, and it is essential to understand how they behave under different conditions. This knowledge will help you explain why ice is hard, water flows, and air fills a balloon.
One of the most basic ways to classify matter is by looking at its physical state. Next time you put ice cubes in your drink or find the steam rising from a hot coffee cup, you can easily identify the states of matter. This article lets you explore the states of matter, their interconversions, and properties.
What is Matter?
Matter is defined as any substance has mass and takes up space, called volume. Matter exists in different physical forms that we observe in our daily life. These physical forms are called the states of matter. Every matter is composed of basic, tiny particles. How these particles are bound and interact with each other determines the states of matter.
Matter on Earth typically exists in three states: solids, liquids, and gases. In each of these states, the arrangement and movement of particles inside the matter are different, which results in different physical properties such as shape, volume, compressibility, etc. We will discuss all these states in detail with definitions and examples.
Definition of Solid, Liquid, and Gas
The following section will define solid, liquid, and gas with examples.
Solid
It is a state of matter in which the particles are tightly packed together with no movement. This close packing of particles gives solids a definite shape and volume. The particles do not move freely, which makes solid substances rigid and less compressible.
Examples of Solids: Iron, wood, brick, ice cube, etc.
Properties of Solids:
It maintains a definite shape and volume
The particles in solids are closely packed
Solids cannot flow freely
Solids are not compressible or very slightly compressible
Liquid
The matter where the particles are not so tightly packed as in solids and have some space in between, forms the liquid state. These particles can move around each other within a fixed space. As a result, liquids have a definite volume but no fixed shape. When we keep a liquid in a container, it takes the shape of the container.
Examples of Liquids: Water, Milk, Oil, Juice
Properties of Liquids:
They have no fixed shape but definite volume
They are called fluid because they can flow easily
In the gaseous state, the particles in the matter are far away from each other and can move freely in all directions. As a result, gases neither have a fixed shape nor a definite volume. They fill the entire shape and volume when kept in an enclosed space.
Examples of Gases: Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Water vapour, CNG
Properties of Gases:
Gases have no definite shape or volume
It is easily compressible
Gases can diffuse and mix with other gases quickly
They exert pressure on the walls of the container in which they are kept.
The table below provides a comparative picture of solids, liquids, and gases.
Parameters
Solid
Liquid
Gas
Shape
Fixed
Takes shape of container
Takes shape of container
Volume
Fixed
Fixed
Not fixed
Compressibility
Very low
Low
High
Flow Ability
Cannot flow
Can flow
Can flow easily
Particle Spacing
Very closely bonded
Close but not tightly packed
Far apart from each other
Changes in the State of Matter
Matters can change their state from one to another. Solids in one condition can be in a liquid state in another condition. The same applies for conversion of the liquid state to a gaseous state.
These interconversions are reversible, physical changes that don't involve any chemical reaction. These changes can occur under the influence of temperature or pressure, which causes changes in the interaction between particles within the matter. We will discuss this in detail.
Interconversion between solids and liquids happens in two different ways as follows:
Melting
It is the process where the solid changes its state to liquid. It takes place at a particular temperature, called that substance's melting point. For example, ice (solid) can be converted to water (liquid) with increase in temperature.
Freezing
When matter changes from liquid to solid, it is called freezing. With the continuous decrease in temperature, a liquid substance changes state to a solid at one point. This particular temperature is called the freezing point of the matter.For example, water freezes to ice with a decrease in temperature up to zero degree Celsius.
Change Between Liquid and Gas
Interconversion between liquids and gases happens in two different ways as follows:
Vaporization
It is the process by which liquids become gaseous above a particular temperature. While increasing the temperature, the liquid starts boiling at a particular temperature to become gaseous. This temperature is known as the boiling point of that liquid.
For example, when we increase the water temperature to 100 degrees Celsius, the water starts boiling and generates water vapour.
Condensation
When vapours turn into liquids with a decrease in temperature, it is called condensation. Condensation happens when matter in a gaseous state comes in contact with a colder surface and is deposited in liquid form.
For example, dew is formed by the condensation of water vapour when the air comes in contact with a cold ground surface at night.
This article explores the different types of matter and highlights how solids, liquids, and gases have unique characteristics. To help children understand such science concepts more clearly, CuriousJr kids online tuition offer interactive lessons for students from Classes 3 to 9. These sessions make learning fun, engaging, and easy to follow. Book a demo with CuriousJr online classes and support your child’s learning through interactive and enjoyable lessons.
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