Question

Solids are rigid and cannot be compressed, while liquids can flow and can be compressed. Give a reason for it.

Answer 1

Solids -

• Solids have very high intermolecular forces of attraction hence they are tightly packed.
• Since they are tightly packed so they have very less to negligible intermolecular space between molecules.

The above-mentioned properties show that solids are very rigid and have no intermolecular space therefore they cannot be compressed.

Liquids -

• Liquids have moderate intermolecular forces of attraction which mean the molecules are loosely bound together.
• Also, liquids have some intermolecular space that allows the movement of molecules and allows the molecules to be compressed together.

The intermediate forces of attraction and availability of intermolecular space justify the fluidity(ability to flow) and compressibility of liquids.