Question

What are the two general properties of solids?

Answer 1

The two general properties of solids are:

1. The intermolecular distance between molecules is short. Due to this, the force between the constituent particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) is very strong. This strong intermolecular force of attraction gives the rigidity to the solids. The attractive force between the constituent particles reduces the distance between them and makes a solid rigid in nature.
2. Solids are incompressible, meaning the constituent particle is arranged close to each other and because of that, there is negligible space between the constituent particle. Due to this solid have a fixed shape and volume. Solids will not easily compress or change its shape easily even after applying a force on it.
3. A solid has a definite shape and volume.
4. Solids in general have a higher density.