How many different physical states can matter exist in?

Matter can exist in three primary physical states: solid, liquid, and gas. Each of these states has distinct characteristics that define how matter behaves and interacts with its surroundings.

In the solid state, particles are closely packed together and have minimal movement, which gives solids a definite shape and volume. As temperature increases, some solids can transition to a liquid state where the particles gain energy, move more freely, and can take the shape of their container while maintaining a definite volume.

Further increasing the energy can lead to the gaseous state, in which the particles are spaced far apart and move rapidly, causing gases to fill the entire volume of their container.

In addition to these three states, one could also consider plasma (the fourth state), which is found in very high-energy environments, but in many basic contexts, particularly relating to introductory concepts in physics and chemistry, matter is primarily categorized into the three aforementioned states. Thus, the answer accurately reflects the fundamental understanding of the physical states of matter in most practical scenarios.