States+of+Matter

**States of Matter**

**The more energy (heat) that is added to the matter, the faster the molecules move. Likewise, when energy (heat) is taken away from molecules, the slower the molecules move.**


 * Solid state.** You can recognize a solid because it has a **fixed shape, and a fixed volume**. Generally, matter is solid at low temperatures.


 * Liquid state.** A liquid has **no fixed shape, but does have a fixed volume**. The molecules are pretty loose, and can be rearranged pretty easily.


 * Gas state**. A gas has neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. The molecules are very far apart, and barely notice each other's presence.


 * Plasma state.** Remember ions and all of those electrons flying free? Plasmas are like gases, but in a plasma, a significant fraction of the molecules are ripped up, and there are many charged particles. The Sun is an example of a plasma, and so is lightning; fluorescent lamps also contain a plasma.

Many scientists now agree that there is a __**fifth state of matter called Bose-Einstein Condenstate**__ (BEC for short). Click on the link to find out more about it! [|Bose-Einstein Condensate]