Basic 2 · Science · Materials
Solids, Liquids and Gases
In this topic you will describe how solids, liquids and gases behave.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Describe the properties of solids, liquids and gases
- Give examples of each
- Sort materials into solids, liquids and gases
What you already know
- Solids, liquids and gases (Basic 1)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Diversity of Matter
- Sub-strand
- Materials
- Indicator
- B2.1.2.2.1 – Describe the properties of solids liquids and gases
Introduction
A stone keeps its shape. Water spreads on the floor. The air in a balloon pushes outward. Each is a different state of matter.
1. Properties of the Three States
| Property | Solid | Liquid | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| shape | keeps its own shape | takes the shape of its container | fills any container |
| flow | does not flow | flows | spreads out |
| can be squashed? | no | no | yes |
| example | stone | water | air |
2. More Examples
| Solids | Liquids | Gases |
|---|---|---|
| wood | milk | air |
| ice | oil | steam |
| sand | kerosene | cooking gas |
Safety: Never taste or smell unknown liquids or gases.
New words
- solid
- Matter that keeps its own shape.
- liquid
- Matter that flows and takes the shape of its container.
- gas
- Matter that spreads out to fill a space.
- squash
- To press into a smaller space.
Summary
- Solids keep their shape.
- Liquids flow and take the shape of their container.
- Gases spread out and can be squashed.
Class activity: State Stations
- Visit the stone, the cup of water and the balloon.
- Record what keeps its shape, what flows and what can be squashed.
- Sort picture cards into solid, liquid or gas.
You need: Stone, Cup of water, Inflated balloon
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which takes the shape of its container?
- A. Liquid
- B. Solid
- C. Stone
- D. Wood
Show answer
Answer: LiquidLiquids flow into any shape.2. Which can be squashed into a smaller space?
- A. Gas
- B. Solid
- C. Liquid
- D. Stone
Show answer
Answer: GasGases can be pressed together.3. Ice is a solid.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueIce keeps its shape.4. Oil keeps its own shape.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseOil is a liquid; it flows.5. Steam is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: gasSteam spreads out in the air.6. Give one example each of a solid, a liquid and a gas.
Show answer
Answer: E.g. wood, milk, air.One from each state.
Homework
- Find two solids, two liquids and one gas used in your kitchen.