Solids

A solid is a state of matter characterized by structural rigidity and resistance to changes in shape or volume. Unlike liquids and gases, solids maintain a fixed shape and volume due to the strong intermolecular forces holding their particles together.

Out of all of the states of matter, solids take up the least amount of space. This is because their particles get packed together and are close. This is what gives solids their strict shapes

Types of Solids

• Crystalline Solids – Have a structured atomic arrangement (e.g., diamonds, salt).
• Amorphous Solids – Lack long-range order (e.g., glass, rubber).

Interesting Facts

Solids are the least common state of matter in the universe since most cosmic matter exists as gas or plasma.