In general, how do we envision the structures of solids and liquids? Explain how the densities and compressibilities of solids and liquids contrast with those properties of gaseous substances. How do we know that the structures of the solid and liquid states of a substance are more comparable to each other than to the properties of the substance in the gaseous state?

Interpretation:

The structures of solid and liquids are to be envisioned. The comparison between the physical and structural properties of liquid, solid and gaseous substances is to be explained. The explanation corresponding to the statement that the structures of the solid and liquid states of a substance are more comparable to each other than to the properties of substance in the gaseous state is to be stated.

Concept Introduction:

A matter has three states-solid, liquid and gas. All these three states can be converted into each other by changing the temperature or pressure of the system. The kinetic energy of the particles is very high in gaseous state and comparatively low in the liquid state. The kinetic energy of particle in solid state is negligible. The liquid, solid and gaseous states show variation in structural and physical properties.

The particles in solid state are rigid that means the particles are stationary and they remain at their fixed position. The particles in solid state are packed closed to each other; therefore, the structure of the solid is compactly packed. The particles in liquid state are not rigid, they are movable and they can easily flow, therefore the structure of liquids is fluid type. The arrangement of molecules in solid and liquid states is represented below.

Figure 1

The kinetic energy of the particles is very high in gaseous state and comparatively low in the liquid state. The kinetic energy of particles in solid state is negligible. The movement of particles in three different states results in different physical and structural properties. The average distance between the particles in solid state and liquid state is small in comparison to particles in gaseous state; therefore, the particles in solid and liquid state occupy less volume in comparison to the volume occupied by the same amount particles in gaseous state...