What are the three states of matter? Explain with an example for each.

Matter exists in three main states: solid, liquid, and gas.

Solid: In solids, particles are tightly packed and have a definite shape and volume. They cannot move freely but vibrate in fixed positions. Example: Ice is a solid that maintains its shape until it melts.

Liquid: In liquids, particles are close but not rigidly fixed. They can slide past each other, giving liquids a definite volume but no fixed shape. They take the shape of the container they are placed in. Example: Water can fill any container and adapt to its shape.

Gas: In gases, particles are far apart and move freely in all directions. Gases have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. They expand to occupy all available space. Example: Oxygen in the air spreads across a room.

These differences arise due to particle arrangement and energy, and they explain why matter behaves differently in each state.