TFNR - States of Matter
In physics, a state of matter is one of the distinct forms in which matter can exist. Four states of matter are observable in everyday life: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Many intermediate states are known to exist, such as liquid crystal, and some states only exist under extreme conditions, such as Bose–Einstein condensates (in extreme cold), neutron-degenerate matter (in extreme density), and quark–gluon plasma (at extremely high energy). For a complete list of all exotic states of matter, see the list of states of matter.
Historically, the distinction is made based on qualitative differences in properties. Matter in the solid state maintains a fixed volume (assuming no change in temperature or air pressure) and shape, with component particles (atoms, molecules or ions) close together and fixed into place. Matter in the liquid state maintains a fixed volume (assuming no change in temperature or air pressure), but has a variable shape that adapts to fit its container. Its particles are still close together but move freely. Matter in the gaseous state has both variable volume and shape, adapting both to fit its container. Its particles are neither close together nor fixed in place. Matter in the plasma state has variable volume and shape, and contains neutral atoms as well as a significant number of ions and electrons, both of which can move around freely.
The term "phase" is sometimes used as a synonym for state of matter, but it is possible for a single compound to form different phases that are in the same state of matter. For example, ice is the solid state of water, but there are multiple phases of ice with different crystal structures, which are formed at different pressures and temperatures.
Gradually new states of matter are identified and studied. So this list does not claim to be exhaustive. In any case, there is a lack of a fundamental state of matter, sought by all, of which we still do not have observational and experimental evidence, except for the gravitational effects on the dynamics of large cosmic structures, galaxies, clusters and super-clusters and the suggestive phenomena that we call strong and weak gravitational lenses. We are obviously talking about Dark Matter, and its complement, Dark Energy.
- Fundamental states
- Solid
- Liquid
- Gas
- Plasma
- Phase transitions
- Melting / Freezing
- Vaporization / Condensation
- Ionization / Deionization
- Sublimation / Deposition
- Non-classical states
- Glass
- Crystals with some degree of disorder
- Liquid crystal states
- Magnetically ordered
- Microphase-separated
- Low-temperature states
- Superconductor
- Superfluid
- Bose–Einstein condensate
- Fermionic condensate
- Rydberg molecule
- Quantum Hall state
- Photonic matter
- Dropleton
- High-energy states
- Degenerate matter
- Quark matter
- Color-glass condensate
- Very high energy states
- Hidden states of matter
- Photoinduced states
- Hypothetical states
- Supersolid
- String-net liquid
- Superglass
Links to the tables of contents of TFNR Paper
