What are the three basic states of matter?

What are the three basic states of matter?

• A. States of matter
• B. Elements, compounds, mixtures
• C. Energy levels
• D. Solutions, suspensions, emulsions

Answer: (A)

Matter exists in three basic forms: solid, liquid, and gas. This question is about recognizing the topic that groups these forms, so the best choice is the one that names the overall idea—States of matter. The other options describe things unrelated to the three forms of matter: elements, compounds, and mixtures; energy levels; and different kinds of mixtures. Remember the three states: solids keep a definite shape and volume, liquids keep their volume but take the shape of their container, and gases have neither a fixed shape nor volume and will fill any space.

Matter exists in three basic forms: solid, liquid, and gas. This question is about recognizing the topic that groups these forms, so the best choice is the one that names the overall idea—States of matter. The other options describe things unrelated to the three forms of matter: elements, compounds, and mixtures; energy levels; and different kinds of mixtures. Remember the three states: solids keep a definite shape and volume, liquids keep their volume but take the shape of their container, and gases have neither a fixed shape nor volume and will fill any space.