do substances include solid liquid and gas

Yes, substances are commonly classified into three primary states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. These states refer to the physical properties and arrangement of particles that make up the substance.

1. Solids: In a solid, particles are closely packed together in a regular pattern, forming a rigid structure. The particles can vibrate around their positions, but they cannot move past one another. This results in a definite shape and volume. Examples include ice, metals, and wood.

2. Liquids: In a liquid, particles are also close together but without a fixed structure. They can slide past one another, allowing the substance to flow and take the shape of its container. Liquids have a definite volume but not a fixed shape. Examples include water, oil, and blood.

3. Gases: In a gas, particles are far apart relative to their size, and there are large, mostly empty spaces between them. Gas particles are in constant motion and can diffuse freely, filling any container they are placed in. Gases do not have a fixed shape or volume. Examples include air, helium, and carbon dioxide.

Additionally, under certain conditions, substances can also exist in a state known as plasma, which is common in stars but less familiar in everyday life. In a plasma, particles are highly energized and often ionized, meaning electrons are stripped away from atoms, resulting in a mixture of ions and free electrons.

Understanding these phases is crucial in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and materials science, where the properties and behavior of substances in different states are studied and applied.