(a) Tabulate the differences in the characteristics of states of matter.
(b) Comment upon the following: rigidity, compressibility, fluidity, filling a gas container, shape, kinetic energy, and density.
(a) The differences in the characteristics of states of matter are given in the following table.
S. No. |
Solid state |
Liquid state |
Gaseous state |
1. |
Definite shape and volume. |
No definite shape. Liquids attain the shape of the vessel in which they are kept. |
Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. |
2. |
Incompressible |
Compressible to a small extent. |
Highly compressible |
3. |
There is little space between the particles of a solid. |
These particles have a greater space between them. |
The space between gas particles is the greatest. |
4. |
These particles attract each other very strongly. |
The force of attraction between liquid particles is less than solid particles. |
The force of attraction is least between gaseous particles. |
5. |
Particles of solid cannot move freely. |
These particles move freely. |
Gaseous particles are in a continuous, random motion. |
(b) Rigidity can be expressed as the tendency of matter to resist a change in shape.
Compressibility is the ability to be reduced to a lower volume when force is applied.
Fluidity is the ability to flow.
By filling a gas container we mean the attainment of shape of the container by gas.
Shape defines a definite boundary.
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a particle due to its motion.
Density is mass per unit volume.