Subjects/Science/Solids, Liquids, and Gases
ScienceMaterials and Their Properties

Solids, Liquids, and Gases

The three states of matter

12 minIncludes video

Learning Objective

Describe the properties of solids, liquids, and gases

Solids

  • Have a fixed shape
  • Cannot be compressed (squashed)
  • Particles are tightly packed
  • Examples: ice, rock, wood

Liquids

  • Take the shape of their container
  • Cannot be compressed
  • Particles can move around
  • Examples: water, oil, juice

Gases

  • No fixed shape, fill the whole container
  • Can be compressed
  • Particles move freely
  • Examples: air, steam, oxygen

Video: Khan Academy (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)