Question

What is the reason for different densities in different physical states of matter? Explain using examples.

Answer 1

1. We know that all matter contains particles.
2. The difference between the different states of matter is because of the arrangement of particles:

2.1 In a solid – particles are tightly packed in a regular structure.
2.2 In a liquid – particles are tightly packed but free to move past each other.
2.3 In a gas – particles are spread out and move randomly.

3.

4. There is only a small difference between the density of a liquid and its corresponding solid, e.g. water and ice.

5. This is because the particles are tightly packed in both states.

6. The same number of particles in a gas spread further apart than in the liquid or solid states. The same mass takes up a bigger volume.

7. This means the gas is less dense.