Facts About Three States of Matter For Kids To Understand The Difference

Joan Agie
Oct 31, 2023 By Joan Agie
Originally Published on Dec 08, 2021
Facts about three states of matter for kids are extremely enjoyable.
Age: 3-18
Read time: 6.6 Min

The matter is indeed the 'stuff' that makes up the universe. Everything that surrounds you has some matter.

It is something that takes up space and has volume or mass. Atoms are the most basic component of matter made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Chemical energy is a sort of potential energy that is responsible for holding atoms or molecules connected.

Different states of material with examples, what are the main states, and how it changes states with examples is very important for a child to understand in science. Matter examples in science are very important for children to easily grasp anything. Everything that has mass and volume is referred to as matter (takes up space). Almost all of the everyday goods that we deal with on a daily level basis have weight and take up space, which is very easy to demonstrate.

Matter makes up everything we see in our daily lives, from ice cream to chairs to water. On the basis of intermolecular forces and particle arrangement, matter can be divided into distinct states such as solid, liquid, and gas. By altering specific environmental variables, these three kinds of matter can be changed from one state to another (increasing or decreasing pressure and temperature, for instance). Ice, for example, can be transformed from a phase from solid to liquid by raising the temperature.

Recognizing the distinctions between solid, liquid, and gas, which represent the three basic forms of matter, is critical. Everything and everyone is matter, as we all know, and it's crucial to grasp how matter is classified, principally into solids, liquids, and gases.

A solid is a hard substance with a limited intermolecular gap and high intermolecular forces that bind all of the molecules inside it together. Liquids, on the other hand, are less stiff than solids and flow more freely. They often have qualities that allow them to migrate from higher to lower levels. When contrasted to solids, this is a distinctive attribute of liquids. Talking about the different states of matter, the liquid water.

It is not in solid form, as the name suggests, it is liquid water. Liquid water in solid form makes an ice cube, the entire physical properties changes, due to high temperatures even when it has the same two hydrogen atoms. In gaseous form, there are different gasses in the air. When water molecules are in a very high temperature like 100-degree Celsius (212°F), also called boiling water, the tiny particles of water convert into a gas form or the gas phase and become water vapor.

After reading about the science behind the three states of matter, also check facts about the 3 stages of thunderstorm and 3 states of water for kids.

Fun Facts About The Three States Of Matter

Any substance that is employed to create an object is referred to as a material.

Materials are composed of several forms of substance. Natural or human-made materials can be used.

There are three states of matter namely, solids, liquids, and gases.

Molecules in solids are tightly packed, liquids are loosely packed, and gases are widely spaced.

The three states can be switched by adjusting the temperature or pressure.

Evaporation is the transition from a liquid to a gas.

Condensation is the transition from a gas to a liquid state.

Solidification is the transition from a liquid to a solid state.

Sublimation is indeed the process by which a solid substance goes from a solid state to a gaseous state when heated and then back to a solid state when cooled.

Solids are defined by their shape and structure and cannot be squeezed.

Liquids do not have a defined shape, but they do have a volume and can flow. They can be squeezed to a minuscule degree.

Gases have no defined shape or volume and are able to flow freely. They're simple to compress.

Scientific Facts About The Three States Of Matter

One of the distinct forms that the many phases of matter adopt is the condition of the substance. In everyday life, four states of matter can be found: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.

Many other states, such as neutron degenerate matter and Bose-Einstein condensate, are thought to only exist in specific conditions like super-cold or super-dense matter. Other states, also including quark-gluon plasmas, are predicted to be feasible but are currently only theoretical.

The device's states include gaseous, liquid, and solid states. Solids have a strong atomic connection and a high viscosity, leading to a rigid construction. Almost all solids have a crystalline structure which means that they also have a 3-D regular arrangement of atoms; nevertheless, non-crystalline or amorphous solids (such as glass) lack this periodic arrangement.

Solid has a definite shape, size, and volume because the particles in a solid are really bound close together. The particles are so tightly packed that they are only able to vibrate and not move. You can only change the shape of a solid by breaking or cutting it. For example, ice.

The liquid is able to maintain a stable volume and can assume the shape of any container, without being affected by the pressure. For example, gasoline. You can turn a solid into a liquid by heating the solid at its melting point.

When it comes to gas, the molecules have a minimal impact on each other as there is ample kinetic energy available. Here the gap between the adjacent molecules is quite substantial. For example, oxygen.

The science at work here is quite interesting for children as you can turn one state of matter into another by using the prescribed scientific methodologies.

We are always surrounded by different gases present in the air.

Facts About Different Industrial Usage Of Three States Of Matter

We've all tried placing things in water and seeing them sink to the bottom or float to the top.

The capacity to sink or float is determined by an object's density, and the way molecules are packed in an object determines whether it can float or sink.

Whether an object sinks or floats is mostly determined by gravity.

Everything is made up of molecules, therefore the density of an object will be higher if the molecules are firmly packed together. These are the goods that will sink due to their density. If placed in water, a penny, a set of keys, or a chunk of cement are all instances of thick things.

Everything is made up of molecules, therefore the density of an object will be higher if the molecules are firmly packed together. These are the goods that will sink due to their density. If placed in water, a penny, a set of keys, or a chunk of cement are all instances of thick things.

Differences Between Three States Of Matter

Gases, on either hand, possess characteristics that are distinct from those of solids and liquids. Gases are generally free-flowing, with next to no intermolecular force. It's critical to understand the basic differences between solids, fluids, and gases.

Solids:

Solids have a fixed volume due to extremely strong intermolecular interactions between molecules. They are defined by their shape. There is no intermolecular gap between solids. The attraction between the molecules is extremely strong. They can't be compressed.

Liquids:

Solids have stronger intermolecular forces than gases, yet liquids have weaker intermolecular forces. Liquids have no discernible shape. The intermolecular spacing is small but noticeable. The attraction between molecules is rather weak. Compressing liquids is impossible.

Gases:

There are essentially no intermolecular forces. As a result, there is no precise volume. Gases have no discernible shape. The intermolecular space is abundant and free-flowing. Between the molecules, there is no intermolecular attraction. Compressing gases is a simple process.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for facts about three states of matter for kids to understand the difference then why not take a look at three types of magnets, or three types of metamorphic rock.

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

Joan Agie picture

Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

Read full bio >