Which of the following are the three states of matter?

The correct answer outlines the fundamental states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Each of these states is characterized by distinct properties related to the arrangement and energy of particles.

In solids, particles are tightly packed together, which gives them a definite shape and volume. The particles vibrate in place but do not move freely, resulting in rigidity. In liquids, the particles are still close together but are more loosely arranged, allowing them to flow and take the shape of their container while maintaining a definite volume. Gases, on the other hand, have particles that are far apart and move freely, resulting in neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. This means gases can expand to fill any available space.

Understanding these three states of matter is crucial, especially in fields like firefighting and hazardous materials response, where the behavior of materials under various conditions can impact safety and operational strategies. For example, the state of a material can influence its combustibility, the potential for releasing toxic vapor, or its interaction with other substances during a fire.

The other options include states of matter that do not all coexist in the traditional classification framework for matter. Plasma, while a state of matter, is not one of the three basic states typically taught in introductory science related to