Have you ever heard of plasma? Read the passage below to find out about plasma and the other states of matter. Then answer questions 1 through 10.
by Doug Taylor
Introduction
Everything in the universe is made from matter. Matter can exist in 4 different states. Adding or removing energy from matter can cause it to change its state. The four states of matter are solids, liquids, gasses, and plasma.
Atoms
Did you know that everything around you is made of tiny particles called atoms? These atoms can combine in different ways to form molecules of matter. Atoms are made up of even smaller particles. The particles in an atom are called protons, molecule: the smallest particle of a substance that retains the neutrons and electrons . Normally an atom will have the same number of protons and electrons.
Solids
Solids are all around us. Your desk is a solid, and so is the chair you properties of that substance. are sitting in. Solids are different from other states of matter in that solids are able to hold their shape. In a solid the particles are pressed very tightly together. This helps the solid keep its shape.
A solid has a definite shape and volume: the amount of space volume. The particles in a solid move by vibrating around a fixed occupied by a three dimensional object. point. When energy is added to a solid the atoms will begin to speed up and the solid will change its state of matter to a liquid or a gas.

Liquids
Matter in the liquid state can flow and change its shape. Liquids will take the shape of their container. Even though liquids can change their shape, their volume, or the amount of space they take up, does not change. The particles in a liquid are farther separated than those in a solid. They are able to flow and slide past each other. This gives a liquid its ability to change shape and flow. When you dive into a swimming pool full of water the particles of water are able to slide apart to make room for your body in the pool.
Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape. When energy is added to a liquid its particles will speed up even further and its state of matter will change to gas. If a liquid loses energy its particles will slow down and it will change into a solid.
Gasses
Gasses are similar to liquids because they also take the shape of their container. Unlike liquids however gasses will fill up whatever container they are placed in. The particles of a gas have lots of energy and move away from each other in all directions.
Gasses are also one of the only states of matter that is able to be compressed or squeezed down to fit in a smaller container. A
SCUBA diver might use a machine to compress a large amount of air into a small tank. This allows the diver to breath underwater for a long time.
Gasses do not have a definite volume or a definite shape. When energy is added to a gas its particles separate and it becomes plasma. If energy is lost from a gas the particles will slow down and it will change its state to a liquid or solid.
Plasma
Plasma is similar to a gas because it does not have a definite shape or volume. Plasma will expand to fill its container. Plasma particles also have lots of energy and move away from each other in all directions. In plasma enough energy has been added to cause the protons and electrons in the atom to separate. Plasma reacts to electricity and magnetism. A good example of plasma is a fluorescent light bulb like those used in many classrooms. These long tubes are filled with a special type of gas. When an electric current is allowed to pass through this gas the particles become charged and glow. When the electricity is turned off energy is lost. The electrons and protons recombine. The plasma changes its state back to a gas and stops glowing.