Chapter 2, Problem 6A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The difference in the volumes of three states of water (ice, liquid and vapor) needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:Matter can exist in one of three main states: solid, liquid, or gas.

Distinction between three states of matter can be made by analyzing the differences in their bulk properties qualitatively. Bulk properties of matter are volume, viscosity, thermal expansion, and elasticity, etc.

Answer to Problem 6A

The order of occupation of volume: $\text{gas}>\text{liquid}>\text{ice}$ .

Explanation of Solution

The volume for each of these states of matter will differ largelyif their masses are kept constant.

Solid ice is composed of closely packed particles. A solid ice will retain its shape; the particles are not free to move around. Hence, it would have smallest volume of the three phases.

In liquid, intermolecular forces are strong enough to keep the molecule closely associated but the molecules also have sufficient kinetic energy so that they can move. It will take the shape of its container.For liquid, it would have a volume that is larger than that of a solid but smaller than a gas.

In gas,distances between particles are large and attractive is very weak so they move freely. It has neither a particular shape nor a defined volume.It will have the largest volume.

Conclusion

The order of occupation of volume: $\text{gas}>\text{liquid}>\text{ice}$ .