Matter is all around us! It’s everything from the air we breathe to the rocks we step on. But what is matter, and how can we tell it apart? Let’s learn about matter, its properties, and the three main states it can be in: solids, liquids, and gases.
Matter is anything that takes up space and has weight. This means everything you see and touch is made of matter, even if it looks different. Matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms, which join together in different ways to make all the things we see every day.
To figure out the state of matter, we look at its properties. A property is something we can measure. Here are some important properties:
These properties help us understand the three main states of matter.
Solids are easy to recognize. Examples are rocks, apples, pencils, and plants. Solids have a shape that stays the same no matter where you put them. They also have a consistent mass and volume because their atoms are packed tightly together. A solid only changes shape if you break or smash it.
Liquids are different from solids. They have a definite volume and mass, but they don’t have a fixed shape. The atoms in a liquid are close but can move around, letting the liquid flow. Liquids take the shape of their containers. For example, water looks different in a glass than when spilled on the floor. Common liquids include water, milk, and juice.
Gases are the third state of matter. Like liquids, gases have a definite mass but no fixed shape or volume. Gases fill the shape of their containers and spread out to fill all the space available. This is because the atoms in a gas are far apart and move freely. The air we breathe is a gas, made up of different gases like oxygen and nitrogen.
Matter can change from one state to another. For example, water can be a solid (ice), a liquid (water), or a gas (water vapor). When water freezes, it becomes ice. When it melts, it turns back into liquid. When it evaporates, it becomes vapor.
Matter is a big part of our world in all its states. By learning about the properties and types of matter, we can see the different forms it takes around us. Look around you and see if you can find examples of solids, liquids, and gases!
Shape Hunt: Go on a shape hunt around your home or classroom! Find three objects that are solids, three that are liquids, and three that are gases. Draw a picture of each object and write down one property that helps you identify its state of matter. For example, does it keep its shape, or does it flow?
Water Experiment: With the help of an adult, explore how water changes states. Pour water into an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer. Check it after a few hours to see how it has turned into a solid. Then, take an ice cube and leave it in a bowl at room temperature. Watch as it melts back into a liquid. Finally, with adult supervision, heat the water in a pot and observe how it turns into steam, a gas. Draw each stage and describe what you see happening to the water.
Question Time: Think about your favorite drink. What state of matter is it? What happens if you leave it out in the sun for a long time? Discuss with a friend or family member how the drink might change and why.
