Classifying Matter

2. What are the three main states of matter? Describe each, and give an example of each. (6 po

Solid, liquid, Gas

Explanation:

There are three main states of matter:

- Solid: a substance in a solid state has a definite shape and volume. When in solid state, the particles of the substance are tightly bound together, so they cannot move freely, but they can only vibrate about their fixed position. An example of this state is ice

- Liquid: a substance in a liquid state has definite volume but no definite shape. When in liquid state, the particles of the substance are not tightly bound, so they can slide past each other; however, there are still intermolecular forces that keep the particles close to each other, so that they cannot move freely. An example of this state is liquid water

- Gas: a substance in a gas state has no definite shape or volume. When in gas state, the intermolecular forces between the particles are negligible, so the particles are completely free to move far away from each other. An example of this state is steam