States of matter reflect collective behaviour rather than individual particles changing size or chemical identity. Thermal motion and interparticle interactions influence the resulting structure. This schematic contrasts an ordered solid, a disordered close-packed liquid and a dilute gas. Real solids can be disordered, and phase boundaries depend on pressure as well as temperature.
Matter and chemistry · Discover & try
How can the same material have different states?
Reading level 5 of 5 · AdvancedChange
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state
A physical form such as solid, liquid or gas.
particle
A small representative unit in the model.
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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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