Science Common Sense

1097 - What are the different structures and functions of matter?

There are three main states of matter:

1. Solids: Take the shape of their container and keep their shape when moved. Their particles are closely packed and can't move much. Examples: table, chair, and book.

2. Liquids: Take the shape of their container but don't keep their shape when moved. Their particles are close but can move freely. Examples: water, juice, and oil.

3. Gases: Neither take the shape of their container nor keep their shape when moved. Their particles are far apart and move freely. Examples: air, helium, and steam.

We also have some special states of matter, like:

• Plasmas: a state of matter where particles break apart into positively and negatively charged particles (mostly seen in stars and lightning).
• Crystals: ordered structures of particles in a repeating pattern (e.g., diamonds and ice).
• Fibers: long, thin, thread-like particles (e.g., wool and cotton).

Matter is all around us, and understanding its different states and structures helps us better understand our world.