Question

Write a short note on the characteristics of solids, liquids and gases.

Answer 1

Characteristics of solids:

1. Solids molecules are tightly packed and have very small intermolecular distances.
2. They possess the strongest intermolecular force of attraction.
3. Solids have well a defined shape and volume.
4. They cannot be compressed easily.

Characteristics of liquids:

1. Liquid molecules are loosely packed and have moderate intermolecular distance.
2. They possess a moderate intermolecular force of attraction.
3. Liquids do not have well-defined shapes but have fixed volumes.
4. They also cannot be compressed easily.

Characteristics of gases:

1. Gas molecules are very loosely packed and have the largest intermolecular distance.
2. They possess the weakest intermolecular forces of attraction.
3. Gases neither have well-defined shape nor volume.
4. They can be compressed very easily.