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Solids, Liquids, and Gases — Reading Comprehension

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This comprehensive middle school science passage explains the scientific concepts behind the three common states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. Aligned with NGSS standard MS-PS1-4, the text describes how particles behave in each state, with focus on shape, volume, and compressibility. Everyday examples such as ice cubes, liquid water, and steam are used to build understanding, and the passage briefly introduces plasma, the fourth state of matter, found in stars and lightning. The passage integrates real-world applications, cause-and-effect mechanisms, and connects to larger scientific principles, encouraging systems thinking. Included are a differentiated version for struggling readers, Spanish translations, glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and two graphic organizers. Audio integration is available for accessibility. This resource is ideal for science classrooms seeking NGSS-aligned materials and visual learning supports.

CONTENT PREVIEW

states-of-matter-1 — Examples of the three main states of matter in everyday life

Solids, liquids, and gases are the three most common states of matter observed on Earth. The way a substance behaves in each state is determined by the movement and arrangement of its particles. Understanding these states helps us explain a wide range of phenomena, from why ice melts to how steam powers turbines in power plants. Scientists use observations and experiments to uncover the underlying mechanisms that define each state, allowing us to harness their properties for daily use and technological advancements.

How Particles Behave in Different States

In a solid, particles are packed closely together in a fixed arrangement. This gives solids a definite shape and volume. For example, an ice cube keeps its shape whether it is in your hand or a glass. Because the particles can only vibrate in place, solids are not easily compressed. In liquids, like water, the particles are still close together but can slide past each other. This allows liquids to take the shape of their container while maintaining a nearly constant volume. Liquids are slightly more compressible than solids, but not by much. In gases such as steam, particles are far apart and move freely. Gases have neither a definite shape nor a fixed volume, spreading out to fill any space available. Their particles can be compressed much more easily than those in solids or liquids. The differences in particle behavior explain why matter can change states—for instance, when ice (solid) melts into water (liquid) and then evaporates into steam (gas).

Applications and the Fourth State: Plasma

These differences are not just theoretical; they have practical implications. For example, the fact that gases are easily compressed is why air can be stored in pressurized tanks and used in scuba diving or to inflate car tires. Liquids are vital for transport of nutrients and waste in living organisms due to their ability to flow. Solids provide structure, like bones in animals or the walls of a building. Beyond these three, there is a fourth state called plasma. Plasma occurs when gases are energized to the point that some electrons break free from atoms, creating charged particles. Plasmas are found in stars, lightning, and neon signs. They behave differently from the other three states because their particles are electrically charged and interact strongly with magnetic fields.

Comparing the States of Matter

A comparison chart helps us see the key differences. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, and are not compressible. Liquids have a variable shape but fixed volume, and are slightly compressible. Gases have neither fixed shape nor volume and are highly compressible. Plasma shares some properties with gases but is unique due to its electrical conductivity and occurrence at extremely high temperatures.

Understanding these states of matter is essential for fields like chemistry, physics, engineering, and even medicine. The ability to predict how substances change states and behave under different conditions is fundamental to scientific and technological progress.

Interesting Fact: Over 99% of the visible universe is made up of plasma, not solids, liquids, or gases!

Which state of matter has particles packed closely together in a fixed arrangement?

SolidLiquidGasPlasma

What happens to the shape and volume of a gas?

It keeps a fixed shape and volumeIt takes the shape of its container but not volumeIt has no fixed shape or volumeIt keeps a fixed shape but not volume

Which example best shows a liquid's ability to take the shape of its container?

An ice cube in a glassWater poured into a bowlSteam filling a roomA brick wall standing firm

What property allows gases to be stored in pressurized tanks?

High densityIncompressibilityCompressibilityFixed volume

What does the word "plasma" mean in the passage?

A solid with extra particlesA gas where particles are electrically chargedA liquid that flows quicklyA gas that is very cold

What is the main difference between solids and liquids?

Solids are compressible, liquids are notSolids have a fixed shape, liquids take the shape of their containerLiquids have a fixed shape, solids do notLiquids have particles that do not move

Which state of matter is found in stars and lightning?

SolidLiquidGasPlasma

If you heat an ice cube and it melts, what change of state occurs?

Solid to liquidLiquid to gasGas to solidLiquid to solid

True or False: Liquids are more compressible than gases.

TrueFalse

True or False: The majority of the visible universe is made of solids.

TrueFalse