The states or phases of matter are used to classify the kinds of matter that exist. We will focus on the other 3 states of matter which are more commonly found on the earth. Matter is made up of particles. These particles have characteristics specific to each of the individual states of matter. As the temperature of matter increases, particles move faster because they have more energy.
Solids have a definite shape and volume.
A gas has the most energy and its particles are free to spread out rapidly. Gasses then, are the least dense form of matter. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume and expand to fill the entire container. Compare your answers to the chart below. USOE Home Page Copyright by the Utah State Office of Education.