What are the three primary states of matter?

The three primary states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases. This classification is fundamental in understanding the physical properties of materials.

Solids have a definite shape and volume because their particles are closely packed together, making them rigid and unable to flow. In liquids, the particles are still close together but have more energy than those in a solid, allowing them to slide past each other. This gives liquids a definite volume but no definite shape, as they take the shape of their container. Gases have the highest energy among the three states, with particles that are far apart and move freely, resulting in no definite shape or volume.

The other choices include states of matter that are not considered primary states. For example, plasma is a state of matter found in stars and is composed of ionized gases, making it distinct from the traditional three states. Vapors refer to the gaseous phase of substances that are typically liquids or solids at room temperature but are not a primary state of matter in themselves. Dust is composed of solid particles but does not represent a state of matter on its own. Thus, solids, liquids, and gases are recognized as the three foundational states of matter.