States of Matter Cheat Sheet

Solid

Has a definite shape and volume. Particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place.

Example: Ice, rock, wood

Liquid

Has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container. Particles are close together but can move around.

Example: Water, juice, oil

Gas

Has no definite shape or volume. Particles are far apart and move freely.

Example: Air, oxygen, helium

Plasma

A superheated gas with ionized particles. It is the most common state of matter in the universe.

Example: Lightning, stars, neon signs

Melting

The change from a solid to a liquid.

Example: Ice melting into water

Freezing

The change from a liquid to a solid.

Example: Water freezing into ice

Evaporation

The change from a liquid to a gas.

Example: Water evaporating into steam

Condensation

The change from a gas to a liquid.

Example: Water vapor condensing into dew

Sublimation

The change from a solid directly to a gas.

Example: Dry ice sublimating into carbon dioxide gas

Deposition

The change from a gas directly to a solid.

Example: Frost forming on a cold surface

Volume

The amount of space an object occupies.

Example: Measured in liters (L) or cubic centimeters (cm³)

Shape

The external form or appearance of an object.

Example: Can be definite (solid) or indefinite (liquid, gas)

Density

The amount of mass per unit volume (Density = Mass / Volume).

Example: A rock is denser than a feather.