Solids, Liquids and Gases: Differences & Examples for Kids

Everything around us is made of matter. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. The chair you sit on, the water you drink, and the air you breathe are all forms of matter. Matter exists mainly in three common states: solids, liquids, and gases. Understanding these states helps students learn basic science concepts more easily.

Children observe solid, liquid, and gas forms every day, even if they don’t realize it. Ice, water, and steam are classic examples of how the same substance can exist in different states. Learning how to identify and compare them builds strong foundational knowledge. In this blog, we will explore what solids, liquids, and gases are, their characteristics, examples, and the differences between solids, liquids, and gases.

What Is Solid, Liquid, Gas?

Matter exists in three main states:

A solid is a state of matter that has a fixed shape and fixed volume. The particles are tightly packed. Examples: stone, book, pencil, ice, table.
A liquid is a state of matter that has a fixed volume but takes the shape of its container. Examples: water, milk, oil, juice, honey.
A gas is a state of matter that spreads out to fill any space. It has no fixed shape or volume. Examples: air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, steam.

These three forms together are called solids, liquids, and gases.

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Properties of Solid, Liquid, and Gas

Properties	Solid	Liquid	Gas
Shape	Fixed	Takes container shape	No fixed shape
Volume	Fixed	Fixed	Not fixed
Particle spacing	Very close	Close	Far apart
Movement	Very little	Moderate	Fast
Compressibility	Very low	Low	High

Characteristics of Solid, Liquid, and Gas

Solids

Solids are strong and rigid in structure, which means they cannot be easily moulded into different shapes.

Properties of solids:

They occupy a definite space.
They have a fixed shape and fixed volume.
They have high intermolecular attraction.
There is very little space between molecules, which makes them rigid.
They do not flow like liquids and cannot be compressed easily.

Examples: wood, ice, brick, stone.

Liquids

Liquids have a fixed volume but no fixed shape. They take the shape of the container in which they are kept.

Properties of liquids:

They occupy space.
They have a fixed volume but change shape according to the container.
They have more intermolecular space than solids.
Their particles can flow freely.
They can be compressed slightly.

Examples: water, milk, blood, coffee.

Gases

Gases do not have a fixed shape or volume. They spread out to fill the entire space available.

Properties of gases:

They have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume.
Particles are far apart with very weak intermolecular forces.
They can be easily compressed.
They fill the container.
Gas particles move randomly and freely.

Examples: oxygen, carbon dioxide, neon.

Examples of Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Real-world examples help children remember better.

Solids- Book, chair, ice cube, apple, and toy.
Liquids- Water, milk, juice, oil, and ink.
Gases- Air, steam, oxygen, cooking gas, and carbon dioxide.

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Differentiate Between Solid, Liquid, and Gas

Properties	Solids	Liquids	Gases
Mass	Definite	Definite	Definite
Shape	Definite	Acquires the shape of the container	Acquires the shape of the container
Volume	Definite	Definite	Indefinite
Compressibility	Not possible	Almost negligible	Highly negligible
Fluidity	Not possible	Can flow	Can flow
Rigidity	Highly rigid	Less rigid	Not rigid
Diffusion	Slow	Fast	Very fast
Space between particles	Most closely packed	Less closely packed	Least closely packed
Interparticle forces	Definite	Slightly more than the solid	Negligible

Change of State

Matter can change from one state to another. Same substance, but different states. Changes Include:

Solid to Liquid = Melting
Liquid to Solid = Freezing
Liquid to Gas = Evaporation/Boiling
Gas to Liquid = Condensation

Example: Ice to Water to Steam

Fun Facts About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Ice floats on water because solid water is less dense
Liquids can form drops due to surface tension
Gases spread quickly in the air
Heat increases particle movement
Cooling slows particles
Some materials can exist in all three states

The Role EuroKids Plays in Teaching Solid, Liquid, and Gas Concepts

EuroKids introduces solids, liquids, and gases through activity-based learning and real-life observation. Children explore solid, liquid, and gas examples using classroom objects like blocks, water, and air-filled balloons. Teachers explain solid definition, liquid definition, and gas characteristics through experiments, storytelling, and play-based demonstrations. Instead of memorising the difference between solid, liquid, and gas, students see and experience it through guided activities. This approach helps young learners understand properties, characteristics, and state changes clearly while building curiosity and scientific thinking skills.

Conclusion

Understanding solids, liquids, and gases is one of the most important basics in science learning. When students know the definitions, along with their properties and characteristics, they can easily identify matter around them. From ice and water to air and steam, everyday examples make these concepts simple and relatable. Learning the difference through tables, activities, and real-life observation builds strong foundational knowledge. With practice and hands-on learning, children can confidently explain and apply solid, liquid, and gas concepts in school and daily life.

To explore more learning ideas, simple explanations, and early childhood resources, parents can visit the EuroKids Blog. Those who wish to understand the preschool journey better or explore enrolment options can find complete information on the EuroKids Preschool Admissions Page, where learning is designed to be joyful, engaging, and child-friendly.

FAQs:

1. What are solids, liquids, and gases?

Solids, liquids, and gases are the three main states of matter. Everything around us belongs to one of these forms based on how its particles are arranged and move.