What are the most common phases of matter on Earth?

Solid, liquid and gas are the most common phases, or states, of matter. Plasma is a phase of matter that makes up most of the universe.

There are four phases of matter; these are solid, liquid, gas and plasmas. Solids have a definite shape and volume. Liquids have a definite volume, but not a definite shape. Gases have no definite shape or volume. Plasmas are highly ionized gases that occur at high temperatures.

Phases of matter can be changed by pressure and temperature. These changes can occur in the element's density, viscosity and malleability. Eleven elements on the periodic table are gases, two are liquids and the rest are solids.