There are 4 different fundamental states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.

The atoms/molecules that make up a solid are packed Response area together and arranged in regular, repeating patterns. They are held firmly in place by their attractive forces and their Response area but do vibrate within a limited area. Solids, have a Response area shape and volume.
In liquids, the atoms/molecules have a moderate kinetic energy and flow easily around one another. They are kept from flying apart by attractive forces between them. Liquids have a fixed Response area but assume the Response area of their containers.
Atoms/molecules in gases fly in all directions at great speeds. Due to this Response area kinetic energy, attractive forces between them are Response area. Gases assume the volume and shape of their containers.
Lastly, plasma is the state of matter with the highest thermal energy. It is made up of free electrons and the positive ions from which they came. The electrons freely move around within this system of positive ions in a similar way to Response area. Plasmas are strongly influenced by electric and magnetic fields due to the charged particles.

1 answer

The atoms/molecules in a solid are packed tightly together and arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. They are held in place by their attractive forces and their vibrations are limited to a small area. Solids have a fixed shape and volume.

In liquids, the atoms/molecules have a moderate amount of kinetic energy and can flow easily around one another. The attractive forces between them keep them from flying apart. Liquids have a fixed volume but can take on the shape of their containers.

In gases, the atoms/molecules move in all directions at high speeds. The kinetic energy of the particles is high, and the attractive forces between them are weak. Gases can fill the volume and shape of their containers.

Plasma is a state of matter with the highest thermal energy. It is composed of free electrons and the positive ions from which they originated. The electrons move freely within a system of positive ions, similar to how charged particles move in an electric field. Plasmas are strongly influenced by electric and magnetic fields due to the presence of charged particles.