Final answer:
The state of matter refers to the physical form that matter takes, which can be solid, liquid, or gas. Each state has distinct properties, such as definite shape and volume for solids, and gases which fill up any given space. Matter can change between these states through heating or cooling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term state of matter refers to one of the distinct forms that matter takes on, which include solid, liquid, and gas. These states are known for their unique physical properties:
- Solids maintain a definite shape and volume, the particles are tightly packed and fixed in place.
- Liquids have a fixed volume but adapt their shape to fit the container, with particles that move freely around each other.
- Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume, filling the entire space of their container due to the large separations between particles.
Matter can transition between these states when heat is either added or removed, known as a change of state. For example, heating a solid may turn it into a liquid and then a gas, while cooling gas may condense it to a liquid and further cooling might solidify it.