States of matter are concerned about the existence of various forms of substances in our universe. This universe is mainly formed by solid, liquid, and gas, and two other forms namely plasma and Bose-Einstien Condensate. All forms of these matter exist as different forms in the nature around us.
Some substances are hard and contain fixed shapes like glass, stone, and wood; some substances are liquid and contain different shapes depending on the shape of their container like water in a jar, while some substances do not have definite shapes of their own such as oxygen.
Matter consists of very tiny particles that interact with each other through various forces and can change these forces to form various states of matter. These states of matter can be converted from each other by applying and removing heat from the matter of substances.
Definition of Matter
Matter is something that fills the space, contains mass, and can be measured the volume. It has subatomic particles, atoms, ions, and compounds. Sometimes, it is found that these particles are attached to each other very tightly.
Sometimes, it is also found that some particles are attached to each other in very loose conditions. The characteristics of materials can be easily identified by the knowledge of states of matter. The states of matter completely depend on the existence of the amount of energy in the substance.
The states of matter can be converted easily by altering their temperature or pressure. Then the transition of matter from one state to another occurs. There is no change in chemical identity during the transition from one state to another.
It must be careful about the two conditions namely mass and volume during the state of transition. Matter consists of atoms that make up everything around us. Examples: computers, mobile, TVs, pens, shirts, water, cars, ice, and various things are made of atoms to form matter.
A substance forms different states depending on temperature, and pressure. The three basic forms of states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases. There are also two forms of states of matter namely plasma and Bose-Einstein Condensates (BECs) state.
States of Matter Definition
The states of matter reveal how the atoms are arranged by intermolecular forces between each other to form molecules. The characteristics, as well as various phases of substances, can be known by the study of states of matter. The phase changes from one state to another occur by the taking in or release of heat energy during intermolecular force broken down or being formed.
Classifications of States of Matter
The classifications of states of matter are discussed below:
Solid State
Solid matter contains very high density where the atoms are attached to each other very tightly. There is lower kinetic energy in solid particles. Solid molecules contain definite shapes and volumes. The solid molecule cannot be compressed in a smaller volume area by applying high pressure.
The solid-state can be changed after applying a definite amount of temperature called melting or fusion. For example, Solid Sodium Chloride (NaCl) can be melted at 8010C and becomes liquid sodium chloride.
Liquid State
Liquids contain a specific volume so they can’t be compressed easily. The density of the liquid is lower than the solid state. However, the kinetic energy of the liquid is more than solids. There is no definite shape of its own for liquids because they form different shapes when they remain in different places like a container.
The liquid can be converted into solid by lowering the temperature known as the process of crystallization. For example, Water turns into ice when the water is below 0 °C temperature.
The liquid can also be converted into vapor by applying heat known as the process of vaporization. For example, liquid water starts to boil and transforms into steam when heated up to 100 °C temperature.
Gaseous State
Gases molecules have the lowest density but have the highest kinetic energy. There is a lot of space between the gaseous molecules that, if not contained, will spread out indefinitely. The gaseous molecule occupies a whole volume when placed in a container.
The spaces among the gaseous molecules will get smaller under pressure. The volume of the spaces among gaseous molecules will be decreased after applying pressure because the molecules of gases are compressible.
The gaseous state can be converted to a liquid state by cooling down which process is known as condensation. The gaseous molecules can be accumulated with each other to form the liquid at the time of the condensation process. For example, the water vapor molecules can be transferred into liquid water by cooling down below 100 °C.
Plasma State
There is no definite shape or volume in the plasma state. This state is sometimes called ionized gas but it is distinct from a gas because it has good properties such as electrical conductivity. This state is generally created by applying heat in a high-temperature condition. The particles consist of a plasma state having higher kinetic energy.
Noble gases like neon can produce plasma by applying high temperatures and pressure. Example of plasma state includes stars, lightning, solar wind, fluorescent lights, plasma televisions, some types of flame, and glowing neon signs. Plasma molecules can have magnetic fields and electric currents. It has the ability to respond strongly to electromagnetic forces.
Bose-Einstein Condensate State
This state was discovered in 1995 by using the advancements in technology. The two scientists Carl Weiman and Eric Cornell cooled a rubidium sample with the help of strong magnets and lasers to within a few degrees of absolute zero. Bose-Einstein condensates show the properties of superfluid, that it flows without friction. When light passes through this condensate, light acts as a wave and particle.
Color Glass Condensate State
This state exits inside the atomic nucleus when the particles collide while traveling at the speed of light by following Einstein’s theory of relativity. For example, a saturated gluon is a color glass condensate. This state of matter is widely distributed for analyzing the properties of high-energy, strongly interacting particles.
Superconductive Material State
There is no electrical resistance in this state and the electrical conductivity is very high. This state creates below the critical temperature of material which is generally close to absolute zero.
Time Crystal State
The crystalline solid materials have a definite shape where the molecules are arranged in a pattern shape. In time crystal state of matter follows a repeating pattern in time. A constant motion without losing any energy is found in a time-crystal state. The motion of the particles in this state has repetitive movements.
Changes Criteria of States of Matter
Temperature
The states of matter change phenomenon occurs during the changes in temperature. For example, the kinetic energy increases in the molecule after heating the solid substances leading to the transformation into a liquid state and a liquid or a liquid boiling to become a gas. Similarly, the kinetic energy decreases in the molecule after cooling down the liquid substance leading to make solid substance as well as a gaseous substance condensing to become a liquid.
Pressure
The states of matter are very much affected by changing the pressure phenomenon. For example, the gaseous molecule transfers into the liquid state if pressure is increased. On the other hand, the liquid state converts into a vaporized state if pressure is decreased.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is matter?
It is defined as the substance consisting of the observable universe that has mass and takes up space by having volume.
What are states of matter?
The states of matter define how the atoms are connected with each other by intermolecular force. The states of matter show the phases that exist as solid, liquid, gaseous, or plasma state.
What are the three types of matter?
There exist three types of matter namely solids, liquids, and gaseous states.
What are the five states of matter?
The five states of matter include solid, liquid, gas, plasma, and Bose-Einstein condensate state.
What is the Mass-Energy Equation?
The mass-energy equation expresses that energy can not be created nor destroyed and it can change its form in material. The mass-energy equation is,
E = mc2
What is solid?
Solid is the one state of matter having a definite shape and strong intermolecular force. Example: Ice, wood, and glass.
What is liquid?
A liquid is one state of matter having no definite shape and weaker intermolecular force than a solid. Examples: water, oil, and alcohol.
What is gas?
Gas is one state of matter having no definite shape as well as no definite volume of its own. Example: Air, Neon, and Helium.
