Question

Give the molecular model for a solid and use it to explain why a solid has a definite volume and a definite shape.

Answer 1

$\text{Molecular model for solid:}$
• The molecules are arranged in a definite manner; therefore, they have a definite shape.
• The molecules vibrate on either side of their mean positions, but they do not leave their positions. Hence, solids have a definite size/volume.
• There is a strong force of attraction between the molecules of a solid.
• The molecules in a solid are closely packed, i.e., intermolecular space is negligible. Therefore, solids are incompressible.
• The molecules of a solid are packed tightly and so they generally have a high density.