Which of the following describes the five states of matter?

The correct answer identifies solids, liquids, gases, plasmas, and Bose-Einstein condensates as the five states of matter. Each of these states has distinct properties and behavior based on temperature and pressure.

Solids have a definite shape and volume, as the particles are closely packed together and vibrate in fixed positions. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, with particles that are less tightly packed than in solids, allowing them to flow. Gases have neither a definite shape nor a defined volume; their particles are far apart and move freely, expanding to fill any available space. Plasmas are ionized gases with free-moving charged particles, found in stars, including the sun, and exhibit unique properties due to their electric and magnetic fields.

Bose-Einstein condensates are a state of matter that occurs at temperatures close to absolute zero, where a group of atoms is cooled to near absolute zero, causing them to occupy the same quantum state and behave as a single quantum entity. This unique state demonstrates the principles of quantum mechanics on a macroscopic scale.

The other choices do not accurately list the recognized five states of matter. Elements, ions, compounds, and nonmetals do not correspond to states of