States of matter

 

Atoms in a solid maintain their regular positions in a crystal lattice and vibrate because of their thermal energy; on being heated, they vibrate more vigorously, causing the solid to expand. In a liquid, the atoms move about randomly; a liquid has no regular form and takes on the shape of its container. In a gas the atoms move rapidly, collisions with the walls of the vessel resulting in gas pressure; a gas totally fills its container.

All single substances can, under the right conditions, exist as a solid, liquid, or gas; these are the three common physical states (or phases) of matter.

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