The four classical states of matter are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
Modern Physics identifies additional states of matter – Bose-Einstein condensate, among others.
The Particle Model:
The particle model represents particles by small, solid spheres. Using these spheres, it describes the motion, energy, and arrangement of particles in a substance. The model can then be used to explain the physical properties of solids, liquids and gases.
Solids:
In the solid phase, molecules are closely bound to each other by rigid molecular forces. A solid holds its definite shape without a container. The solid’s volume is fixed by its shape.
Liquids:
In the liquid phase, the molecular forces are weaker than in a solid so there is no rigid shape. A liquid will conform to the shape of its container. Liquids retain a fixed volume, independent of pressure.
Gases:
In the gas phase, the molecular forces are very weak. A gas conforms to fill the shape of its container, taking both the shape and the volume of the container.
Plasma:
In the liquid phase, the molecular forces are weaker than in a solid so there is no rigid shape. A liquid will conform to the shape of its container. Liquids retain a fixed volume, independent of pressure.
Bose-Einstein Condensates:
In this phase, a large number of particles called bosons are in the same quantum state becoming one single wave/particle. This is a low energy phase only formed in laboratory conditions and in very cold temperatures. Bose and Einstein predicted this state which is the reason they are named as such.
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