Question

5. Name three states of matter. Give one example of each and state three
characteristic properties of each.
6. Compare the properties of solids, liquids and gases in tubular form.
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Answer 1

Three States of Matter with Examples –

There are three states of matter and below are the description of various states of matter:

1. Solids

• The Solid state is one of the fundamental states of matter.
• Solids differ from liquids and gases by the characteristic of rigidity.
• The molecules of solids are tightly packed because of strong intermolecular forces; they only oscillate about their mean positions.
• Whereas, liquids and gases possess the property of fluidity and can easily flow.
• Solids can be defined as the state of matter which has definite shape and volume and has a rigid structure.
• Solids possess the least compressibility and thermal expansion.
• Example: Iron (Fe)

Solid State of Matter

2. Liquids

• The molecules in a liquid are closely packed due to weak intermolecular forces.
• These forces are weaker than solids but stronger than that of gases.
• There is much space in between the molecules of liquids which makes their flowing ability easy.
• Liquids can easily acquire the shape of a vessel, and they have a fixed volume.
• Conversion of solids into liquids takes place when we increase the temperature of solids to a point where solids begin to melt.
• Generally, the density of liquid lies between the density of solids and gases. Compressibility and thermal expansion of liquids are slightly higher than that of solids.

Example: Water (H2O)

Liquid State of Matter

3. Gases

• In this state of matter, distances between the molecules are large (intermolecular distance is in the range of 10−7–10−5cm)).
• The intermolecular forces experienced between them are negligible.
• Thus, translatory, rotatory and vibratory motions are observed prominently in gases.
• Gases do not have any fixed shape or volume.
• They also possess high compressibility and thermal expansion.

Example: Oxygen (O2)