A solid, a liquid, and a gas are the three main forms that things (matter) can be in!
Understanding the Three Forms of Matter
Everything around you is made of matter. Matter is anything that takes up space and has weight. Matter can be found in three common states: solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has different properties.
Solid
- Keeps its shape: A solid has a definite shape that doesn't change easily. Think of a toy brick, a rock, or an ice cube. Even if you move it to a different place, it stays the same shape.
- Examples: Table, book, toy.
Liquid
- Takes the shape of its container: A liquid doesn't have a shape of its own. It will fill the container you pour it into. Think of water, juice, or milk. If you pour water into a glass, it takes the shape of the glass.
- Examples: Water, juice, milk, honey.
Gas
- Fills its container: A gas spreads out to fill whatever container it's in. You usually can't see it! Think of air, the steam from a kettle, or the gas that fills a balloon.
- Examples: Air, oxygen, steam, helium.
In simple terms, a solid has its own shape, a liquid takes the shape of its container, and a gas spreads out to fill the space available.
