Question

The property to flow is unique to fluids. Which one of the following statements is correct?

• A. Only gases behave like fluids
• B. Gases and solids behave like fluids
• C. Gases and liquids behave like fluids
• D. Only liquids are fluids

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Gases and liquids behave like fluids

Explanation for correct option

(C)

Solid:

• In solid, the particles are tightly packed due to the strong intermolecular attractions.
• A solid has a definite shape, volume, and mass.
• Due to the strong force of attraction between the particles, solids do not flow.
• Examples are books as well as wood.

Liquid:

• In liquid, the intermolecular forces are weaker than that of solids.
• liquid has a definite volume but the shape of the liquid is not fixed. It usually takes the shape of a container.
• Examples are alcohol as well as water.

Gas:

• The intermolecular forces between gaseous particles are negligible.
• Gas has no definite volume or shape.
• Examples are oxygen as well as carbon dioxide.

Fluid behavior is shared by gases and liquids. Due to the lower forces of attraction between their particles, both of them have a tendency to flow.

The explanation for the incorrect option

Gases and liquids behave like fluids. Hence, options (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect.

Hence, option (C) is correct. Gases and liquids behave like fluids.