In science, a solid is a type of matter that keeps its shape and size!
Think of all the stuff around you – a table, a chair, your toys, or even a rock. These are all examples of solids. Solids are one of the main "states of matter," which are the different ways matter can exist. The other main states are liquids and gases.
What Makes Something a Solid?
Solids have special properties that make them different from liquids or gases:
- Definite Shape: A solid has its own shape that doesn't change unless you do something to it. A block of wood stays a block of wood. It doesn't spread out like water.
- Definite Volume: A solid takes up a certain amount of space, and that amount of space stays the same.
- Particles Packed Tight: Inside a solid, tiny pieces called particles are packed very, very close together. They jiggle a little bit but mostly stay in their spots, which is why solids keep their shape.
Solids Stay the Same Stuff
Even if you break a solid into smaller pieces, it's still the same kind of matter. For example, as shown in the video reference, if you take a hammer and break a teacup into pieces, it's still the same type of matter – it's still a teacup, just in smaller pieces! Breaking a solid doesn't change what it fundamentally is.
Examples of Solids
Here are some simple examples of solids you might see every day:
- Ice (frozen water)
- A book
- A pencil
- A rock
- Your shoes
- A desk
These things all hold their shape and take up a specific amount of space.
Understanding what solids are helps us learn about the different ways matter behaves all around us!
