Matter exists in 3 states of matter, namely, solid state, liquid state and gaseous state.
Characteristics of Matter in Solid, Liquid and Gaseous State
Arrangement of Particles
| Solid |
 |
| Particles are arranged in an orderly manner and close to one another. |
| Liquid |
 |
| Particles are not arranged in order. The space between particles is moderately large. |
| Gas |
 |
| The particles are very far apart and randomly arranged. |
Movement of Particles
| Solid | Particles vibrate at fixed positions. |
| Liquid | Particles move randomly and slowly and sometimes will collide against each other. |
| Gas | The particles move randomly in all directions at great speed. |
The force of Attraction Between Particles
| Solid | very strong |
| Liquid | Strong but weaker than in the solid state. |
| Gas | very weak |
Ability to be compressed
| Solid | Very difficult to be compressed because the particles are packed closely. |
| Liquid | Not easily compressed because the particles are packed quite closely. |
| Gas | Easily compressed because the particles are very far apart. |
Heat Energy content
| Solid | Lowest Energy Content |
| Liquid | Moderate energy content. |
| Gas | Highest energy content |
Volume and Shape
| Volume | Shape | |
| Solid | Fixed | Fixed |
| Liquid | Fixed | Follows the container |
| Gas | Follows the container | Fills the whole container |
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