What are the three states of matter?

The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas, which represent the different forms that matter can take depending on temperature and pressure conditions.

In a solid state, molecules are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement, giving solids a definite shape and volume. In liquids, the molecules are still close but can move around more freely, allowing liquids to take the shape of their container while maintaining a fixed volume. In the gas state, molecules are far apart and move freely, which causes gases to expand to fill their container without a fixed shape or volume.

The other options include some terms that are related but do not accurately classify the fundamental states of matter. For example, "cloud" is not a state of matter but rather a collection of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air. "Steam" and "vapor" can refer to the gaseous state of water but do not represent distinct states on their own, rather they illustrate transition states. "Ice" refers specifically to water in its solid state and is a good example of that state but doesn’t encompass all solids. Hence, the comprehensive classification of matter is best represented by solid, liquid, and gas.