Applications of the states of matter
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Anything that has mass is made up of matter – an all-encompassing word for atoms and molecules that make up our physical world. We describe this matter as existing in states (sometimes referred to as phases). Most people are familiar with three states of matter – solids, liquids and gases – but there are two more that are less commonly known but just as important – plasmas and Bose-Einstein condensates.
Three states of matter
Solids, liquids and gases are three states of matter. In solids, the particles are tightly packed together. In liquids, the particles have more movement, while in gases, they are spread out. Particles in chemistry can be atoms, ions or molecules.
It is important to understand the particle nature of matter. The particles that make up matter are not ‘small bits of solid’ or ‘small drops of liquid’ but atoms and molecules. The physical characteristics of those atoms and molecules decide its state.
Solid
Gallium crystal
Gallium is an uncommon metal that exists in a liquid and solid form. This gallium crystal would melt if you handled it.
Something is usually described as a solid if it can hold its own shape and is hard to compress (squash). The molecules in a solid are closely packed together – they have a high density.
Right now, you are probably sitting on a chair, using a mouse or a keyboard that is resting on a desk – all those things are solids.
Liquid
In liquids, the molecules have the ability to move around and slide past each other. A liquid will take on the shape of the container it is being held in. While a liquid is easier to compress than a solid, it is still quite difficult – imagine trying to compress water in a confined container!
Water is an example of a liquid, and so is milk, juice and the petrol you put in the car.
Gas
In gases, the atoms are much more spread out than in solids or liquids, and the atoms collide randomly with one another. A gas will fill any container, but if the container is not sealed, the gas will escape. Gas can be compressed much more easily than a liquid or solid.
Right now, you are breathing in air – a mixture of gases containing many elements such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon.
Plasma
Plasma is very similar to gas, In fact, the easiest way to describe plasma is as a gas that can carry an electrical charge. Plasma is a form of matter that exists when atoms are in an excited state. They are so excited that they jump an energy level and, in doing so, give off light. Plasma particles are spread out and move around randomly, but unlike gas, they contain some free ions and electrons, which gives plasma its ability to conduct electricity.
On Earth, plasmas are commonly found in some kinds of fluorescent lights and neon signs. Another form of plasma on Earth happens during storms as lightning.