A solid keeps its shape because its particles stay near fixed places, although they still jiggle. In a liquid, nearby particles can move past each other, so it can flow. Gas particles are much farther apart and spread through their container. The dots do not become bigger when the state changes.
Matter and chemistry · Discover & try
How can the same material have different states?
Reading level 1 of 5 · EarlyChange
Word help
state
A physical form such as solid, liquid or gas.
particle
A small representative unit in the model.
Watch · Try · Explain
See how it works
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Equal-count schematic particles; spacing, speeds and state choices are illustrative.
What to look for
- Solid particles still vibrate
- Liquid particles exchange neighbours
- Gas fills the available space
Explain what you noticed
Liquid is poured from a short cup into a taller one without spilling. What usually changes?
Keep this idea: Particle arrangement and motion change; the particles do not inflate.
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Source material checked 2026-10-28. Explanations and activities by Nepedia. Source links do not imply endorsement.
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