Compare and contrast solids, liquids, and gases.

Interpretation:

The properties of solids, liquids and gases have to be compared and contrasted.

Concept introduction:

Matter is basically classified as solid, liquid, gas. These are the terms based on the physical state of the matter. An atom is the basic and simplest unit of all the matter. Atoms do exist in the form of molecules or ions constitute matter. Depend upon the arrangement of the molecules/ions their structure, properties, certain parameters of the constituents of the matter, the nature of the forces between them, the above classification has been interpreted and accepted widely.

Explanation

The properties of solids.

Solids have the following distinct properties:

• Do possess definite shape and structure and volume.
• The constituents are usually arranged in a regular and compact structure.
• It cannot flow.
• Solids are generally rigid.
• Very difficult to compress.
• The constituents vibrate in their respective positions.
• Possess high density.
• Intermolecular forces between the constituents are usually strong.

The nature of the intermolecular forces present between the constituents of the solid is mainly responsible for almost all the properties of the solids. Solids have strong intermolecular forces than liquids and gases because the constituents are compactly fixed and arranged in their respective spaces. Due to this, they have definite shape and volume and cannot flow and have high density. Solids are rigid and very difficult to compress that a high energy is required to break the intermolecular forces between the constituents.

Solids do have compact structure and it results in the sustainability of the strong intermolecular forces which are responsible for its rigidity, definite shape and volume.

The properties of liquids.

Liquids have the following distinct properties:

• Do not possess definite shape and volume.
• Assumes the shape and volume of the container and it occupies.
• The constituents are randomly arranged.
• Liquids do flow.
• The constituents do move around each other.
• Not easily compressible.
• Possess medium density.
• Intermolecular interactions are not stronger than those of solids.

The molecules in the liquid are randomly arranged that the intermolecular forces present between the molecules are not strong than that of solids. Because of this, liquids can flow, possess medium density and they are not rigid. Liquids cannot have definite shape and volume because of its ability to flow. Thus it takes the shape and volume of the container it occupies. Liquids are not easily compressible because of the intermolecular forces present in it.

                    Liquids do not have compact structure and it results in the random movement of its constituents. Because of this they have indefinite shape and volume, weaker intermolecular forces than that of solids and the ability to flow.

Properties of gases.

Gases have the following distinct properties:

• Do not possess definite shape and volume.
• Assumes the shape and volume of the container and it occupies.
• The constituents have very random movement in all directions...