States of Matter

Consider a science experiment based on the states of matter. The states of matter are solid, liquid and gas. That we all know, but how does water change into ice, its solid form? Or water vapor, its liquid form? This has to do with the number of molecules of water that are packed together in a limited area.

When the water is placed in a glass in the fridge it will make the molecules shrink into a compact area and turn into a denser form. This dense form is the solid state of ice. Similarly the opposite happens when the water is boiled on the hob or in an electric kettle.

The heat excites the water molecules and they tend to expand into all the available space. Thus turning into a gaseous form called water vapor. The states of matter are not always followed in the transformation process. For instance a substance like Camphor has no liquid state.

Camphor exists in a solid form, generally in a white or cream color. If you apply heat to camphor in the form of a burning match stick it does not melt like ice would. In fact it catches fire and evaporates into a gaseous form right away. This is called spontaneous combustion.

But what about Fire? Is it solid, liquid or gas? And try making this gluep and try to figure out if it is a liquid or a solid.