Everything on Earth can be explained in terms of 4 states (phases) of matter--

solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.

1. Solid
What are the properties of a solid?

A substance in a solid phase is relatively rigid, has a definite volume and shape.

The atoms or molecules that comprise a solid are packed close together and are
not compressible.

Because all solids have some thermal energy, its atoms do vibrate. However, this
movement is very small and very rapid, and cannot be observed under ordinary
conditions.

There are four types of crystalline solids --

Ionic solids-- These substances have a definite melting point and

contain ionic bonds. An example would be sodium chloride (NaCl). View
the 3-D structure of a salt crystal.

Covalent solids -- These substance appear as a single giant molecule

made up of an almost endless number of covalent bonds. An example
would be graphite. View the 3-D structure of graphite).

Molecular solids are represented as repeating units made up of

molecules. An example would be ice. View the 3-D structure of ice.

Metallic solids are repeating units made up of metal atoms. The

valence electrons in metals are able to jump from atom to atom.

2. Liquid
What are the properties of a Liquid?

Liquids have a definite volume, but are able to change their shape by flowing.
Liquids are similar to solids in that the particles touch. However the particles
are able to move around.

Since particles are able to touch the densities of liquid will be close to that of a
solid.

Since the liquid molecules can move they will take the shape of their container.

What are the specific properties of liquids?

Viscosity --The resistance of a liquid to flow is called its viscosity

Surface Tension -- The result of attraction between molecules of a liquid which

causes the surface of the liquid to act as a thin elastic film under tension.
Surface tension causes water to form spherical drops.

Vapor Pressure -- The pressure that a solid or liquid exerts when it is in

equilibrium with its vapor at a given temperature.

Boiling Point -- when vapor pressure = atmospheric pressure.

3. Gas
What are the properties of a Gas?

Gases have no definite volume or shape. If unconstrained gases will spread out
indefinitely. If confined they will take the shape of their container. This is
because gas particle have enough energy to overcome attractive forces. Each of
the particles are well separated resulting in a very low density.

Gas is very compressible but tends to expand indefinitely, and it fills any
container. A small change in temperature or pressure produces a substantial
change in its volume; these relationships are expressed as equations in the gas
laws. The kinetic theory of gases, developed in the 19th century, describes
gases as assemblages of tiny particles (atoms or molecules) in constant motion
and contributed much to an understanding of their behaviour. The term gas can
also mean gasoline, natural gas, or the anesthetic nitrous oxide.

Gas Laws -- There are several excellent interactive java applets which we recommend.

4. Plasma
What is the fourth state of matter?
The fourth state of matter is plasma. Plasma is an ionized gas, a gas into which
sufficient energy is provided to free electrons from atoms or molecules and to
allow both species, ions and electrons, to coexist. In effect a plasma is a cloud
of protons, neutrons and electrons where all the electrons have come loose from
their respective molecules and atoms, giving the plasma the ability to act as a
whole rather than as a bunch of atoms. Plasmas are the most common state of
matter in the universe comprising more than 99% of our visible universe and
most of that not visible. Plasma occurs naturally and makes up the stuff of our
sun, the core of stars and occurs in quasars, x-ray beam emitting pulsars, and
supernovas. On earth, plasma is naturally occurring in flames, lightning and the
auroras. Most space plasmas have a very low density, for example the Solar
Wind which averages only 10 particles per cubic-cm. Inter-particle collisions are
unlikely - hence these plasmas are termed collisionless.