Natural Science CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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Prepare for the CLEP Natural Science Exam with our comprehensive study materials and practice questions. Test your knowledge and ace the exam by mastering key concepts.

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What is the fourth state of matter?

Plasma
Solid
Liquid
Gas

The correct answer is: Plasma

The fourth state of matter is plasma, which is created when a gas is heated to extremely high temperatures. In this state, the particles of the gas become ionized, meaning they lose or gain electrons and become charged particles. This allows them to interact with electric and magnetic fields in unique ways. Option B (solid), C (liquid), and D (gas) are all common states of matter, but they do not have the same properties as plasma. For example, solids have a fixed shape and volume, liquids have a fixed volume but can change shape, and gases have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. Therefore, they do not fit the definition of the fourth state of matter. Other options such as Bose-Einstein condensates, which occur at very low temperatures, are also not considered the fourth state of matter as they do not exhibit the same properties as plasma.