In physics, what are the three states of matter?

The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. In a solid, particles are closely packed together and vibrate in place, which gives solids a definite shape and volume. Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past one another, allowing liquids to take the shape of their container while maintaining a fixed volume. Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, filling the entire volume of their container and not having a fixed shape or volume.

This foundational understanding of matter is crucial in physics, as it forms the basis for studying physical properties and changes, such as phase transitions and the behavior of substances under different conditions. Other options, while they mention valid states of matter, do not accurately identify the three primary states recognized in a typical physics context. For example, plasma is often considered a fourth state of matter, commonly observed at high temperatures. Crystals represent a specific arrangement of particles but do not denote a distinct state of matter. Similarly, vapor typically refers to the gas phase of a substance that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature and is not considered a separate state.