States of Matter

Solids are characterized by their rigid structure and fixed shape. The particles in a solid are tightly packed together and usually organized in a regular pattern. This close packing results in solids having high densities and volumes that do not change easily.

Liquids have a definite volume but no fixed shape. They conform to the shape of their container but fill it only to the extent of the liquid's volume. The particles in a liquid are not as tightly packed as those in a solid and can move around more freely.

Gases have neither a defined shape nor volume. The particles in a gas are far apart and have high kinetic energy. They fill their containers, expanding to take the shape and volume of the container.

Plasma is a state of matter similar to gas, but the particles are electrically charged. It's found naturally in places like the sun and lightning, but can also be created artificially in neon lights and televisions.

Bose-Einstein condensates occur at extremely low temperatures where atoms behave as if they were a single particle. This state of matter was predicted by Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein in the early 20th century.

Fermionic condensates are a superfluid phase achieved with fermionic particles at low temperatures. They are named after Enrico Fermi, the physicist who first proposed the existence of these particles.

Examples of solids include metals, stones, and crystals such as diamond and quartz.

Examples of liquids include water, oil, and mercury.

Examples of gases include oxygen, nitrogen, and helium.

Examples of plasma include stars, lightning, and neon signs.

Bose-Einstein condensates are typically made in a laboratory, using elements like rubidium and sodium.

Fermionic condensates are also typically made in a laboratory, using elements like potassium and lithium.