States of Matter - Introduction

 

Hey kids! Welcome back to KidsCast! Today, we are going to discuss the different States of Matter, in our environment! So let us begin!

What are States of Matter? 

Everyday, in all of our environment, we see various things. Some of them are hard, some of them are soft, some of them are wet and some of them are dry. All these characteristics or features like "soft, wet, hard, and dry" have proper names for the State or Features of its Matter. So, states of matter can be said as the forms or states in which matter exists. States of Matter can also be said as the different forms of matter. Matter in simple terms means anything which has mass and which does take space. So let us learn more about the States of Matter! 

What are Molecules?

Before we study about the States of Matter, we first need to know that what are Molecules. Molecules are the smallest unit of a material, or a compound. Molecules are made up of groups of atoms. 

The Different States of Matter: 

For this article, let us only talk about the Basic States of Matter which exist in nature. There are 3 naturally occurring basic States of Matter. The three basic (and natural) states of Matter are: Solids, Liquids, and Gases. Let us study more about them!

Solids: Solid is the most rigid state of matter, among all of the other states of matter. In solids, the molecules are closely located and that is the reason that solids are so rigid, and the molecules have a regular-arrangement. The force between these molecules is so strong that they cannot move freely, but can only vibrate. Hence, Solids have a definite shape and a definite volume, and are rigid. Examples of Solids: Ice Cubes, Wood, Glass Bottle, Fruits, Coin, Paper, Aluminium Can, and Box. Below you can see the Condition of Molecules in Solids: 

Liquids: Liquids are more rigid than gas but more flexible than Solids. This is due to the fact that in Liquids, the molecules has some gap between them, and are not closely packed, but have some gap or space between them. As a result, Liquids are more flexible, and can flow easily. Liquids have a definite volume but doesn't have a definite shape, but it takes the shape of its container. Examples of Liquids are:- Water, Oil, Milk, Blood, Gasoline, Mercury, and Bromine. Below you can see the condition of Molecules in Liquids:

Gases: Gases are the most flexible and easily-flowing state of matter. In gases, the molecules or particles have a lot of space between them and molecules are well separated with no regular-arrangement, and move freely. Hence, gases are the most flexible and easily-flowing state of matter. Gases do not have a definite volume or a definite shape. It takes the volume and shape of its container. And gases also flow easily. Examples of Gases are:- Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapour, Helium, and Neon. Below is the Molecular Arrangement of Gases:

Conversion of States:

Generally, matter can often change their state or form with a few processes or steps. Like for example, a solid can become a liquid and even a gas whereas a gas can become a solid or a liquid again! And this all is called the Conversion of States of Matter. Sounds Interesting? Let us study this in detail!

Why do Conversions of states of matter occur?

Whenever there is a change in temperature or pressure, conversion of state or phase occurs. For example:- When Ice Cubes are heated, they start to melt. In the end, they finally become water. When this same water is further heated, it becomes gas. See? Due to change in temperature and pressure, conversion of state of matter occurs. 

Processes of Conversion of States:

Here are the processes which take place for the conversion of states of matter in nature:-

Melting: 

The Physical change in which state of matter changes from solids to liquid often due to heating is called Melting. For example:- Ice Cubes start to melt and in the end become water, when heated. Hence, this is an example of Melting. 

Freezing: 

The physical change in which state of matter changes from liquids to solids due to cooling is called Freezing. For example:- When water start to freeze and in the end become ice cubes, when cooled a lot. Hence, this is an example of Freezing. 

Evaporation:

The process in which state of matter changes from liquids to gases due to mild heating is called Evaporation. For example:- When water or any other liquid is heated mildly, it forms gas and turns into vapors. Hence, this is an example of Evaporation. 

Condensation:

The process in which state of matter changes from gases to liquids due to mild cooling is called Condensation. For example:- If we cool a gas or vapors, it starts to form a few droplets of liquids, and thus turns into Liquids. Hence, this is an example of Condensation.

Sublimation: 

The conversion/process in which solid changes to gas state directly, without passing through the liquid state, is called Sublimation. For example:- Dry Ice is a solid which can sublimate and it turns into gas through Sublimation. Hence, this is an example of Sublimation.

Desublimation: 

Desublimation is also a kind of sublimation, but it is more like of a reverse process. In this process, a gas directly changes to a solid, again without passing through the liquid state. Hence, it is kind of a reverse sublimation process. Desublimation is sometimes also known as Deposition. 

So kids! Guess what, we've just finished a bit confusing yet very interesting chemistry or science topic! We hope you all liked it! So we'll meet again in another article! Till then, Stay happy and Happy Learning!

Word Search: 

Find the following words in the Word Search given below:

SOLID, LIQUID, GAS, ATOM, MOLECULE, MATTER

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