Question

Compare the densities of solids, liquids and gases.

Answer 1

Step-1:

Solids:

All solids have a definite shape, distinct boundaries, and fixed volumes.

Examples of Solids:

Stones, wood, metals like iron, copper, nickel

Densities of solids:

1. Solids have high densities.
2. The density of a solid may be defined as, ‘Mass occupied by a solid per unit volume’.
3. Since the constituent particles in the solids are so closely packed, the density will be maximum in the solid state of a substance.
4. Thus, more closer the constituent particles; the greater will be the density.

Step-2:

Liquids:

1. In liquids, the particles are loosely packed.
2. In liquid, the spaces between the particles are slightly more than that in a solid.
3. Though, there is a quite strong force of attraction between the particles of a liquid which holds the particles together.

Examples of Liquids:

Water, kerosene, petrol, alcohol, benzene, milk

Densities of Liquids:

Liquids have moderate to high densities this is because its particles are close together.

Step-3:

Gases :

Gases have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. Hence, they do not have fixed boundaries.

Examples of Gases: Air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, steam

Densities of Gases:

They have a lesser density. This is because the particles in the gas are very far apart from one another.

Step-4:

Comparison of the densities of solids, liquids, and gases:

1. Gases have a lesser density than solids and liquids.
2. This is because the particles in the gas are very far apart from one another in comparison to solids and liquids.