How many states of matter exist?

The correct answer reflects the commonly recognized three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has distinct physical properties determined by the arrangement and energy of its particles.

In solids, particles are tightly packed together and vibrate in fixed positions, which gives them a definite shape and volume. Liquids have particles that are close together but can move freely past one another, allowing them to take the shape of their container while retaining a constant volume. Gases, in contrast, have particles that are far apart and move at high speeds, which enables them to fill the entire volume of their container without a definite shape or volume.

This basic understanding of the three states of matter is foundational in physics and chemistry. While there are also additional states of matter, such as plasma and Bose-Einstein condensates, these are less commonly discussed in introductory contexts, leading to the conventional focus on the three primary states.