5 States of Matter Facts for Kids 2023 (Fun facts)
Let’s learn some facts about states of matter. Once you have finished the article, review our question sheet in the activity section to test your knowledge.
What is the Definition of Matter? How to describe matter?
Matter is everything that we come across in our lives, like the air you breathe, the clothes you wear, cool drinks – literally everything!
All living things are examples of matter. Also, non-living things and man-made objects are also matter.
In fact, did you know that you are made of matter too?
When we talk about the states of matter, we mostly talk about solids, liquids and gases.
There are also ones that are less common and they’re called plasma and beam.
Understanding some of the words
When we talk about states of matter, it’s important for you to understand what some of the words mean that are used quite a lot. One of these words is a molecule.
Molecules are made up of two or more atoms. Atoms are tiny, tiny particles or building blocks which make up substance. Everything you see or imagine is made up of something.
So atoms when put together form molecules, which form cells, which form our organs and our populations and our planets and the galaxies and so on.
Another word to explain is electron. An electron is a tiny piece of electricity which is too small to see even with a microscope. And they conduct electricity.
What are the different states of matter?
Solids
Solids are objects that keep their own shape and do not flow in a given temperature. Ice is a solid but when it melts it becomes a liquid. Other examples of solids are cars, books and clothes.
Solids can be different colors and textures, and they can be turned into different shapes, for example clay. Solids are made up of molecules which group together and don’t move around.
Liquids
The liquid state of matter is an intermediate phase between solid molecules and gas molecules.
Liquids do not have their fixed shape but can take the shape of the container they are in and they can flow at a given temperature. Examples of liquids are tea, water and blood.
They can be different colors and thickness; for example, custard is a thicker liquid than tea and doesn’t flow as quickly as tea.
You can measure a liquid in a cup or a spoon. Liquids are made up of molecules which are further apart than in solids and can move around easily.
Gases
Gases are air-like substances that can move around freely or flow to fit a container and they don’t have their own shape. You can put your hand through gases and you won’t feel them.
If they get out their container they can spread easily. We are surrounded by different gases in the air we breathe.
We can’t put gas into a measuring cup to measure its volume; it has to be worked out using a mathematical formula. Their molecules are spaced apart and jiggle around.
Plasma
Plasma isn’t found in normal everyday life like solids, liquids and gases are, and they are gases but not quite the same.
Plasma is called ionized gas molecules which means that when heated to very high temperatures, some of the electrons break away from the core of the atoms (the nuclei) or molecules to join other nuclei.
This changes the way the atom or molecule is made up, and they behave in a different and unpredictable way.
Plasma examples include lightening, aurora, solar wind, stars, and welding arcs. Plasmas occur naturally but can also be artificially made. Plasma exists in neon and fluorescent tubes, in the crystal structure of metallic solids.
Beam
Beam is a state of matter that scientists don’t really understand. The most important thing about beam matter is that the way it is made up is different to solids, liquids, gas and plasma.
Their particles act in a meaningless way whereas in the beam state the particles act together to achieve the same end. There is also no exchange of heat energy involved as with solids, liquids, gas and plasma.
Change of State
Matter can change from one state to another.
Example of liquid to gas change: Water changing to water vapor.
Example of liquid to solid change: Water turning to ice.
Such phase changes of matter occur due to temperature or pressure change. Water turning to ice is due to temperature change.
Pressure can change rocks and soil to liquid too. This is why there is liquid magma at the center of the earth’s crust.
Water can be naturally found on earth in solid or liquid or as gas, its the only such matter on earth to exhibit 3 states of matter naturally.
Now there’s all you need to know about matter. You could impress your science teacher with your new knowledge!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the oldest state of matter?
The first, and therefore oldest, state of matter is plasma. The other three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas, evolved from plasma.
What is the coolest state of matter?
The solid state is the coldest. For example, the solid phase of water, ice cube, is the coldest. When you heat ice, it turns into the liquid phase, which is water.
Which state of matter has the least energy?
Molecules in the solid state have the least energy out of all the states of matter. Molecules, on the other hand, have the most energy.
What is the most common state of matter in the universe?
Plasma is the most abundant state of matter found in the universe. Although plasma cannot exist under normal terrestrial conditions, it can be found all over space. Exotic plasma can be found inside white dwarfs, Jupiter, the Sun, and other stars.
What state of matter is dust?
Dust is made of fine particles of solid matter. On Earth, dust is generally created by pollution, volcanic eruptions, and soil lifted by the wind.
Activity Time – Test Your Knowledge!
Test your knowledge of this subject using our activity sheet for use in class or at home: 
Questions about States of Matter (all answers found on this page)