Explain how the distances between particles typically change with different states of matter.

Understanding the arrangement of particles in different states of matter provides a fundamental insight into their properties and behaviors.

Particles are the tiny building blocks of matter, and each state of matter has a distinctive particle arrangement. In solids, particles are tightly packed in a lattice structure, only vibrating in place. This compact arrangement results in a definite shape and volume of solids. As we transition to liquids, the particles are less tightly packed, allowing them to move past each other, giving liquids a fixed volume but no fixed shape. In gases, particles are far apart and move freely, resulting in neither a definite volume nor a definite shape. Finally, the plasma state has particles that are not only separated but also ionized (or charged), which creates a state that can conduct electricity and is influenced by magnetic fields.

In the solid state, each particle is locked into place, forming a rigid structure.

The particles in a solid vibrate about fixed positions and maintain a consistent distance from their neighbors. This explains why solids have a definite shape and volume, and why they are incompressible under normal conditions. Take a crystal of salt or a block of ice; their shape does not change unless a force is applied that is strong enough to break the solid's structure.

Moving on to the liquid state, particles are less orderly and have more space to move around.

While they are still attracted to one another, the particles in a liquid can slide past each other, which allows the fluidity we observe in liquids. This property means that while liquids have a fixed volume, they can take the shape of their container. Think of water pouring into a glass; it spreads out to conform to the glass's shape, but the amount of water (volume) remains the same.

When it comes to gases, the particle arrangement is quite liberated.

Gaseous particles are separated by considerable distances and move randomly and rapidly. This high degree of freedom means gases will expand indefinitely to fill any container they are in, thus having neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. The air in the atmosphere is an example of a gas; it surrounds the planet and expands into space.

Lastly, the plasma state is often described as an electrified gas.

In plasma, particles have enough energy to break free from their electrons, resulting in a mix of ions and free electrons. These charged particles can conduct electricity and are affected by magnetic fields, which is not the case with neutral atoms and molecules found in the other states. Plasmas are found naturally in lightning strikes and artificially in neon signs, both of which involve energetic particle interactions.