Solids, Liquids & Gases (Edexcel IGCSE Physics)
Revision Note
Solids, liquids & gases
There are three different states of matter: solid, liquid, or gas
Solid state of matter
In a solid state of matter:
The particles are closely packed
The particles vibrate about fixed positions
Solids have:
A definite shape (they are rigid)
A definite volume
Liquid state of matter
In a liquid state of matter:
The particles are closely packed
The particles can flow over one another
Liquids have:
No definite shape – they are able to flow and will take the shape of a container
A definite volume
Gas state of matter
In a gas state of matter:
The particles are far apart
The particles move randomly
Gases have:
No definite shape – they will take the shape of their container
No fixed volume – if placed in an evacuated container they will expand to fill the container
Gases are highly compressible, this is because:
There are large gaps between the particles
It is easier to push the particles closer together than in solids or liquids
The three states of matter
Diagram showing the three states of matter in terms of shape and volume
Properties of states of matter
State | Solid | Liquid | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
Density | High | Medium | Low |
Arrangement of particles | Regular pattern | Randomly arranged | Randomly arranged |
Movement of particles | Vibrate around a fixed position | Move around each other | Move quickly in all directions |
Energy of particles | Low energy | Greater energy | Highest energy |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In your exam, you may be asked to explain the particle arrangement and behaviour for each state of matter. These are easy marks but make sure you learn all the possible things you can say.
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