What Makes Solids, Liquids, and Gases So Different?

Particle Spacing: Solids pack particles tightly, liquids keep them close but flexible, and gases spread far apart.
Motion Matters: In solids, particles vibrate in place; in liquids, they slide; in gases, they zoom freely.
Shape Rules: Solids hold their shape, liquids mold to containers, gases fill every available space.
Volume Control: Solids and liquids have fixed volume, but gases expand or shrink depending on pressure.
Energy Levels: Heat energy increases from solid to liquid to gas, changing how particles behave.
Rigidity vs. Flow: Solids resist movement, liquids flow smoothly, and gases flow invisibly in all directions.
Compression: Gases compress easily, liquids hardly at all, and solids resist strongly.
Everyday Examples: Ice cubes, flowing water, and rising steam show the three states in action.
Phase Changes: Melting, boiling, and condensation reveal how energy shifts matter between states.
Density Differences: Solids are usually densest, liquids less so, and gases the lightest of all.