[MUSIC] JOAN CARTAN-HANSEN, HOST: The state of matter depends upon how its atoms are positioned.
So, a good way to think about the states of matter is to think about football.
In a solid state, the atoms are tightly packed together.
They don't move too much and stay in place.
When a football team is in a tight formation, the players don't move too much and are in a set formation, hence, this is like a solid state of matter.
In a liquid state, the atoms can move around each other, allowing matter to flow and take the shape of its container.
In football terms, this is when part of the team can move around to adapt to the flow of the game by dodging and weaving.
In a gas state, atoms are widely spread apart and can move freely often colliding with one another.
In an open football play, the players are spread out and move quickly.
They are independent of one another, yet still part of the same team working together.
So, the states: solid, liquid and gas depend upon the position and movement of atoms.
It's a winning combination.
For more information about states of matter, check out the Science Trek website.
You'll find it at science