Question

Why do liquids flow but solids do not?

Answer 1

Definition of matter

Matter is made up of very small particles called atoms. Atoms are the building blocks of matter.

According to kinetic theory of matter, all matter exist in three states- solid, liquid and gas

Solid state-

• The particles are tightly packed.
• The interparticle force of attraction is very strong.
• The interparticle space is almost negligible and so the movement of particles is very limited and they move about their fixed position only.
• kinetic energy of the particles is very low.
• Solids have fixed shape and definite volume. Particles of solid cannot move easily from their position and so the solids are hard and difficult to compress.
• The strong inter-particle force of attraction prevent the particles from sliding over each other and so the solids cannot flow.

Liquid state -

• Particles are loosely packed.
• The interparticle force of attraction is lesser than the solids and so the particles are present at some distance from each other.
• The inter-particle space is more, and so the particle move freely around other particles.
• Kinetic energy of the particles is more than the solids.
• The particles of liquids move around freely but remain within the confined space. The freely movement which helps the liquid to flow easily.
• Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape.

Hence we can conclude that liquids can flow but solid cannot flow.