What are the three main states of matter?

Matter can exist in one of three main states: solid, liquid, or gas. Solid matter is composed of tightly packed particles. A solid will retain its shape; the particles are not free to move around. Liquid matter is made of more loosely packed particles. It will take the shape of its container. read more

In physics, a state of matter is one of the distinct forms in which matter can exist. Four states of matter are observable in everyday life: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. read more

Helping young students comprehend solids, liquids and gasses as the three basic states of matter is an important part of building a solid foundation for the more complex physical science lessons to come in future courses. read more