The arrangement, movement and spacing of particles are different in solids, liquids and gases. Find out more with BBC Bitesize. For students between the ages of 11 and 14. Changes of state To ...

It turns out that any material, no matter what it is made of, can exist in one of three forms: solid, liquid or gas. These are categories of stuff that have certain observable properties.

Solids, liquids and gases are called the three states of matter. Liquids can flow or be poured easily. They are not easy to hold. Liquids change their shape depending on the container they are in.