Question

In liquids, molecules arrange less closely, and in gases loosely packed, then what happens in the solid state?

Answer 1

1. In solids, intermolecular space is quite small and intermolecular attraction forces are very strong.
2. When subjected to any external force, the particles can only vibrate in their current position and do not displace.
3. Due to the significant intermolecular force of attraction, the compact packing of the molecules in the solid state gives it a particular shape, size, and volume, as well as stiffness.
4. In case of a liquid state the molecules are far apart and they always take the shape of the container, while in the case of a gaseous state molecules do not take the shape of the container but spread in complete volume.

Thus, in solids molecules are tightly packed.