Classically, matter is found in three states: solid, liquid, and gas with each having unique properties. A solid state occurs when the molecules of matter are locked in place in very close proximity to one another, generally blocking the movement of neighboring molecules. This state occurs when matter is below its freezing point for the given substance in question. The second classical state of matter is liquid. A liquid state occurs when matter in a solid state reaches a temperature above its melting point. While the particles of matter in a liquid are still relatively close together, the attractive forces between them are not able to hold a liquid in a definitive shape, and as such, liquids take on the shape of the container they are in. Despite this fact, liquids maintain a constant volume. The third classical state is the gas state. In this state, particles are spread widely apart. The higher the temperature, the further the molecules in a gas state will spread from one another. Because of this wide space between particles, the particles move virtually independent of one another. This movement fills whatever container the gas is in, and if the container contains no lid the gas will escape. Based on these three classical states of matter, scientists have debated and discovered various other forms of matter that fit into one or more of the classical states. These “other” states are found under various energy conditions and temperatures.
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