What are the three physical states of matter?

The three physical states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas, which correspond to the most commonly observed forms in everyday life.

In a solid state, molecules are closely packed together in a fixed structure, allowing solids to maintain a definite shape and volume. Examples include ice, wood, and metals.

In a liquid state, while molecules are still close to one another, they have more freedom to move, which allows liquids to take the shape of their container while maintaining a definite volume. Common examples are water, oil, and alcohol.

In a gas state, molecules are far apart and move freely, resulting in no fixed shape or volume. Gases expand to fill their container, such as air and steam.

These three states highlight how matter can change based on energy levels and temperature, with transitions between states often occurring under specific conditions. Options including plasma introduce a fourth state of matter that typically exists under extreme conditions, while others list combinations that do not contain the full trio of solid, liquid, and gas.