States of Matter

A. Plasma - is a state of matter similar to gas in which a certain portion of the particles are ionized. After sufficient heating a gas dissociates its molecular bonds, rendering it into constituent atoms. However, further heating may also lead to ionization (a loss or gain of electrons) of the molecules or atoms of the gas, thus turning it into a plasma, containing charged particles: positive ions and negative electrons. B. Supercritical Fluid - A supercritical (or critical) fluid is a liquid/gas under extreme pressure. These supercritical fluids have unique characteristics, the density of a liquid and the mobility of a gas. Supercritical fluids exist deep inside some planets; for example, there is supercritical water deep inside the Earth. C. Degenerate Gas - A degenerate gas is one that is super-compressed and very dense. The molecules of this degenerate gas are virtually touching one another and the gas acts much like a solid. Unlike gases under normal conditions, the temperature in a degenerate gas does not depend on the pressure. These gases follow quantum mechanical laws. D. Colloid - is a substance microscopically dispersed evenly throughout another substance. A colloidal system consists of two separate phases: a dispersed phase (or internal phase) and a continuous phase (or dispersion medium). A colloidal system may be solid, liquid, or gaseous.