state of matter

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state of matter

Water in its solid state of matter, called ice, floats in a glass of liquid water.

Definition

Noun: 1. A distinct form that matter can take, characterized by the arrangement and energy of its particles. In classical physics and chemistry, this refers primarily to the three fundamental phases: solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has unique properties related to shape, volume, and particle movement. Example: Water can exist in three states of matter: ice (solid), liquid water, and steam (gas).

Usage

The term "state of matter" is used to classify and describe the physical condition of a substance based on its macroscopic properties and the microscopic behavior of its constituent particles.

Examples: - Scientists study how changes in temperature and pressure affect the state of matter. - The most familiar states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases. - Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter.

Advanced Usage
  • "To change state" or "undergo a change of state": This refers to a substance transitioning from one state of matter to another (e.g., melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation).
  • The concept can be extended beyond the classical three states to include non-classical states like plasma, Bose-Einstein condensates, and superfluids in advanced physics.
Variants and Related Words
  • Phase (of matter): Often used synonymously with "state of matter," particularly when discussing phase diagrams and transitions.
  • Phase transition: The process of changing from one state of matter to another.
  • Solid-state: (Adjective) Relating to or denoting the solid state of matter, or electronic devices that operate using semiconductors (e.g., solid-state drives).
Synonyms
  • Phase
  • Form (of matter)
  • Condition (of matter)
Related Scientific Terms (Not Synonyms)
  • Melting point: The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid.
  • Boiling point: The temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas.
  • Sublimation: The transition of a substance directly from the solid to the gas state.
state of matter

Water in its solid state of matter, called ice, floats in a glass of liquid water.

Noun
  1. (chemistry) the three traditional states of matter are solids (fixed shape and volume) and liquids (fixed volume and shaped by the container) and gases (filling the container)
    • the solid state of water is called ice

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