What is Matter?

Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. Everything around you—your desk, the air you breathe, and even the water you drink—is made of matter!

The Three Main States

Matter usually exists in three main states:

• Solid: Has a definite shape and volume (like an ice cube).
• Liquid: Has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container (like water).
• Gas: Takes the shape and volume of its container (like the air in a balloon).

There’s also a fourth state called plasma, found in things like lightning and stars!

Changing States

When you heat or cool matter, it can change from one state to another:

• Melting: Solid turns to liquid (ice to water).
• Freezing: Liquid turns to solid (water to ice).
• Evaporation: Liquid turns to gas (water to steam).
• Condensation: Gas turns to liquid (steam to water).

Why It Matters

Understanding the states of matter helps explain everything from why ice cubes melt in your drink to how clouds form in the sky!