States of matter definition

States of matter are the different forms in which matter can exist. Matter can exist as a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma.

A solid is matter that has a fixed volume and a fixed shape. A liquid is matter that has a fixed volume but not a fixed shape. Instead, a liquid takes the shape of its container. A gas is matter that has neither a fixed volume nor a fixed shape. Instead, a gas takes both the volume and the shape of its container. It spreads out to take up all available space.

Plasma is a state of matter that resembles a gas but has certain properties that a gas does not have. Like a gas, plasma lacks a fixed volume and shape. Unlike a gas, plasma can conduct electricity and respond to magnetism. That’s because plasma contains charged particles called ions. This gives plasma other interesting properties. For example, it glows with light. Where can you find plasmas? The sun and other stars consist of plasma. Plasmas are also found naturally in lightning and the polar auroras (northern and southern lights). Artificial plasmas are found in fluorescent lights and plasma TV screens.