Question

Explain the nature of molecules in solids, liquids and gases.

Answer 1

The nature of molecules in solids, liquids and gases are as follows :

• Solid : Solids have the strongest inter-molecular force. As a result, in solids, inter-molecular space between molecules is essentially non-existent, and molecules are tightly packed together. As a result, solid-state molecules scarcely move; they just vibrate around their positions.
• Liquid : In liquids, the inter-molecular force of attraction is weaker than in solids. As a result, liquids have greater inter-molecular space than solids, and their molecules are less densely packed. Liquid molecules can move around within the liquid and from one point to another. It is for this reason that liquids have the ability to flow. Because the molecules in liquids have distances between them which is greater than that of solids and lesser than gases, due to this they clash more frequently than those in gases.
• Gas : In gases, the inter-molecular attraction is the weakest. In comparison to liquids and solids, the inter-molecular space in gases is the highest. As a result, gas molecules are very far apart and move around randomly in the area accessible to them. Gas molecules frequently clash with one another and with the surfaces of the container in which they are contained.