What are the three states of matter?

The three primary states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas, as they represent the most common forms in which matter exists in everyday life.

In a solid state, the particles are closely packed together, which gives solids a definite shape and volume. In liquids, the particles are more loosely packed than in solids, allowing them to flow and take the shape of their container while maintaining a fixed volume. Gases, on the other hand, have particles that are far apart and move freely, resulting in no fixed shape or volume; they expand to fill any container they occupy.

While plasma is another state of matter, it is less common in everyday scenarios and is typically classified separately due to its distinct characteristics, which involve ionized gases. Other options such as steam, ice, and vapor refer to states or phases of water but do not encompass the broader categories of matter. They tend to represent specific conditions rather than universally applicable states.