What are all the states of matter?

A glass holds H20 in three states of matter: ice (solid), water (liquid) and vapor (gas). Credit: nikkytok | Shutterstock Physical science, which includes chemistry and physics, is usually thought of as the study of the nature and properties of matter and energy in non-living systems. read more

Classically, states of matter are distinguished by changes in specific heat capacity, pressure, and temperature.States are distinguished by a discontinuity in one of those properties: for example, raising the temperature of ice produces a clear discontinuity at 0°C as energy goes into phase transition, instead of temperature increase. read more

Most people can easily name the three classic matter states of liquid, solid, and gas. Those who took a few more science courses will add plasma to that li Most people can easily name the three classic matter states of liquid, solid, and gas. read more

Those who took a few more science courses will add plasma to that list. But over the years, scientists have expanded our list of possible states of matter far beyond the big four. In the process, we’ve learned a lot about the Big Bang, lightsabers, and a secret state of matter hiding in the humble chicken. read more