G3_Water and the Three States of Matter 400 – 500L_03

Water – Three States of Matter

Have you heard the story of Goldilocks? It is about a young girl who always tried to find things that were “just right.” Do you know what it has to do with water?

Earth is the third planet from the Sun. This position gives Earth just the right amount of energy. It’s not too hot and not too cold. For this reason, water can be found in its three different forms. Near the North Pole and South Pole where it is cold, water can be found in a frozen form. This frozen form of water is called ice. Ice is a solid.

Water can also be found as a gas. You cannot see it as a gas. This form of water is called water vapor.

Water vapor is invisible. Right now, water is all around you. It’s in the air you breathe.

You mostly know water as a liquid. You see liquid water in oceans and lakes. You see it in rivers and streams. You even see liquid water floating in the sky. That’s right! Liquid water floats in the air! Look closely. You may see solid water floating too! No, ice cubes do not float in the air, but ice crystals do.