Question

Name the physical state of matter which can be compressible and does not have definite volume.

Answer 1

The physical state for any substance is dependent upon the kinetic energy contained within the atoms and molecules that make it up. Solids have the lowest amount of kinetic energy. The particles that make up a solid are packed close together and are rigid, so that they can only vibrate in place. Solids have a definite shape and a definite volume. Liquids have more kinetic energy, so their particles are less rigid and can slide around one another, which allows liquids to flow. Liquids have no definite shape, so that they take the shape of their container, except for the surface, which is flat, but they do have a definite volume. Gases have more kinetic energy than liquids, so their particles move very rapidly. Gases expand to fill their container, so they have no definite shape and no definite volume.There are four main states of matter: solids, liquids, gases and plasma. 1) Solids – have definite shapes and definite volumes and are not compressible to any extent. There are two main categories of solids, crystalline solids and amorphous solids. Molecules are held close together in an orderly fashion with little freedom of motion. 2) Liquids – have no definite shape but have a definite volume, and they are not easily compressible. Molecules are close together, but are not held so rigidly in position and can move past one another. 3) Gases – a gas has no definite shape, it takes the shape of the container that holds it. Gases are easily compressible. Molecules are separated by distances that are large compared with the size of the molecules. 4) Plasma - This state of matter makes up 99% of the visible universe.