What are the three basic physical states in which matter can exist?

Matter can exist in three basic physical states: solid, liquid, and gas. In a solid state, particles are tightly packed together, which gives solids a definite shape and volume. The particles vibrate in place, which accounts for their rigidity. In a liquid state, the particles are close together but not in a fixed position, allowing liquids to take the shape of their container while maintaining a definite volume. In a gaseous state, particles are far apart and move freely at high speeds, filling the entire volume of their container with no definite shape or volume. This distinction among the three states of matter is fundamental in understanding various physical properties and behaviors of materials.

The other options include choices that are either incomplete or include terms that are not recognized as basic states of matter. For instance, vapor refers specifically to gases that are in the form of fine particles and is not typically recognized as a separate state of matter. Plasma is a state of matter found in extreme conditions, like in stars, and is also not one of the three most common states. Dust is not a state of matter but rather a collection of fine particulate matter, typically in solid form. Therefore, the correct answer captures the essential and widely accepted classification of matter.