What is Solid?

Solids are one of the main states of matter, along with liquids, gases, and plasma. In the solid state, matter has both a definite shape and a definite volume. This means a solid keeps its form unless it is physically broken or changed. Solids feel firm because the particles inside them are packed very closely together and held in fixed positions.

How is it Formed?

A solid forms when particles lose enough energy that they can no longer move freely. As a material cools, its particles slow down and become locked into an organized structure. This process, called freezing or solidification, occurs when a liquid cools enough to turn into a solid. A common example is water freezing into ice when temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F).

Even though particles in a solid stay in fixed positions, they still vibrate slightly. The strong attraction between particles makes solids hard to compress and keeps their shape stable. Solids can vary widely in properties, from hard materials like rock and metal to softer solids like rubber or wax.

For references of the different states of matter, take a look at our other pages.