Why does a solid have a definite shape but
a liquid made from the same substance does
not have a definite shape?
Answers
Explanation:
bcoz in solid particals are closely packed while in liquid particals are apart from each other due to this reason
In the solid state of a substance, its individual particles have fixed mean positions with respect to each other. Due to thermal energy, the particles vibrate about their mean positions. But the thermal energy is not enough to overcome the intermolecular attraction. As a result, a solid has a definite shape. On heating, thermal energy overcomes intermolecular attraction, thus the bonds weaken. The particles move about each other while remaining in contact. This corresponds to the liquid state. In this state, the particles still remain in contact, so a liquid has a definite volume. But because the particles no longer have fixed mean positions, a liquid has no definite shape.