How does a solid differ from a liquid? b. how does a liquid differ from a gas? c. how is a liquid similar to a gas? d. what is a plasma?

I'm learning about the periodic tables and what each subject's configuration is. for example, hydrogen is 1s^1, but i don't understand how you get that. can someone me understand how to figure out how to figure this out? sorry if the question makes no sense, but it would really a lot if you could me understand! you so much if you can!