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Properties of solids, liquids and gases

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Tutor: Aimee LeBrun

Summary

Properties of solids, liquids and gases

​​In a nutshell

Solids, liquids and gases are all states of matter. Each state of matter has a different set of properties.



Properties of solids, liquids and gases​

The different properties of solids, liquids and gases are described below. 


State of matter

properties

examples


Solid

  • Holds its shape and volume. 
  • Can be held easily. 
  • To change the shape of a solid it must physically changed (for example by cutting, squashing or pulling).

Paper, brick, plastic, metal fork, sponge, wood

Science; States of matter; KS2 Year 4; Properties of solids, liquids and gases

Liquid

  • Flows downwards.
  • Liquids can be poured. 
  • Takes the shape of the container that it is in. 
  • The volume of a liquid will not change even if it is moved to a different container. 

Water, milk, juice, tea, syrup, lemonade

Science; States of matter; KS2 Year 4; Properties of solids, liquids and gases

Gas

  • Expands filling the shape of any container. 
  • Gases can expand and compress. 
  • Gases can be poured. 
  • Most gases cannot be seen. 

Helium, air, oxygen, hydrogen 

Science; States of matter; KS2 Year 4; Properties of solids, liquids and gases


All of these different properties make up the different types of materials that are seen in our everyday lives. 



Example 

A material can be transferred easily from one container to another, filling the shape of the new container. When transferred to a larger container the material does not fill the whole container. What state of matter is this material?


  • The material takes the shape of the containers easily so it cannot be a solid, as solids have a fixed shape.
  • The new container is not completely filled, so the material cannot expand and is therefore not a gas.
  • The material must be a liquid as it can take the shape of a container but the volume will not change. 


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Properties of solids, liquids and gases

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

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