what is one properties and states of matter changes shape and volume
States of matter are generally described on the basis of qualities that can be seen or felt. Matter that feels hard and maintains a fixed shape is called a solid; matter that feels wet and maintains its volume but not its shape is called a liquid. Matter that can change both shape and volume is called a gas. Some introductory chemistry texts name solids, liquids, and gasses as the three states of matter, but higher level texts recognize plasma as the fourth state of matter. Like a gas, plasma can change its volume and shape, but unlike a gas, it can also change its electrical charge. The same element, compound, or solution can behave very differently depending on its state of matter.