Structural Differences Between Solids, Liquids and Gasses

Structural Differences Between Solids, Liquids and Gasses:

In general,on the base of structural differences,matters can be divided into three forms including Solids, Liquids and Gasses.These three froms of matter vary from each other in their densities, rigidity and cohesive forces between their molecules.

SOLIDS:

Introduction:

Solids are one of the three main states of matter, along with liquids and gases. They are characterized by having a fixed shape and volume, and a high density compared to liquids and gases of solids.
Structure of Solid
Structure of solid


 There are two main types of solids: crystalline and amorphous.

•Crystalline Solids:

Crystalline solids have a well-defined, ordered arrangement of atoms or molecules, which gives them a regular geometric shape. Examples of crystalline solids include salt, diamond, and quartz.
Crystal Lattice of NaCl

•Amorphous Solids:

Amorphous solids, on the other hand, do not have a regular, ordered structure, and their atoms or molecules are randomly arranged. Examples of amorphous solids include glass, rubber, and plastic.

Unique characteristics of Solids:

Some of the unique characteristics of solids include:

1)They have fixed shape and volume.

2)They possess high density.

3)They have strong intermolecular forces in their molecules.

4)They cannot be  compressibilitd in normal conditions.

5)They have defined melting and boiling points.

6)They are brittle or malleable, depending on the type of solid.

7) They are insolubility in most solvents.

8) They  have great ability to conduct electricity in some cases (e.g. metals).

9) Anisotropy, meaning that their properties can vary depending on the direction of measurement.

Deviations of Solids from Liquids and Gasses:

Some deviations from liquids and gases include:

• Solids do not flow like liquids, nor do they diffuse like gases.

• Solids have a fixed shape, whereas liquids and gases take on the shape of their container.

• Solids have a fixed volume, whereas liquids and gases can change volume depending on external factors.

• Solids have a definite melting point, whereas liquids and gases do not.

• Solids have a high density compared to liquids and gases.

• Solids are generally less compressible than liquids and gases.

•  Solidscan exhibit different physical and chemical properties than their liquid or gaseous counterparts, such as conductivity or reactivity.

Liquids:

Definition: 

Liquids are one of the three states of matter, the others being solid and gas. A liquid is a substance that flows freely and takes on the shape of its container.

Structure: 

Molecules of liquid
Molecules of liquid


The molecules in a liquid are close together but are not arranged in a regular pattern like in a solid. The molecules are also in constant motion, allowing them to flow.

Unique Characteristics of Liquids:


• Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape.

• They can flow and take the shape of their container.

• They have a fixed mass and density.

• They are incompressible.

• Liquids are not easily compressible as their molecules are closely packed.

• They have a surface tension, which causes them to form droplets.

• Liquids can dissolve solids, gases, and other liquids.

• They have a higher density than gases, but lower density than solids.

• They have a boiling point and a melting point.

• They can exhibit capillary action, allowing them to flow through narrow spaces.

Deviations from Solids and Gases:


• Liquids are not easily compressed like gases but can flow like gases.

• Liquids do not have a fixed shape like solids.

• The intermolecular forces between molecules in liquids are weaker than those in solids.

• The arrangement of molecules in liquids is less ordered than in solids.

• Liquids have a lower density than solids but a higher density than gases.

• Liquids have a surface tension, while gases do not.

• Liquids can flow, while solids cannot.

• Liquids have a definite volume, while gases do not.

Gasses:

Definition:

 Gases are one of the three states of matter, along with solids and liquids. A gas is a substance that is characterized by its ability to expand and fill any container it is placed in.

Structure:

Molecules of Gas
Molecules of gas


 The molecules in a gas are widely separated and move randomly at high speeds in all directions. There are no intermolecular forces between the molecules in a gas.

Unique Characteristics:


•  Gaseshave no definite shape or volume, as they take the shape of their container and expand to fill it.

• They are highly compressible, meaning they can be squeezed into smaller volumes.

• Gases are less dense than liquids and solids.

•  They can be easily expanded or contracted by changing temperature or pressure.

• Gases are highly fluid and can diffuse into one another to form a homogeneous mixture.

• They have low surface tension and do not form droplets.

• Gases are highly reactive and participate in many chemical reactions.

• They have no color or odor.

• They travel in straight lines until they collide with another particle.

• Gases can be liquefied by increasing pressure and decreasing temperature.

Deviations from Solids and Liquids:

Here are some deviations of gasses from Solids and liquids:

• Gases have no definite shape or volume, unlike solids and liquids.

• They have highly disordered molecular structures, unlike the highly ordered structures of solids and liquids.

• Gases have a low density, unlike the higher densities of solids and liquids.

• They are highly compressible, while solids and liquids are not.

• Gases do not have a fixed boiling point, unlike liquids.

• They have a lower viscosity compared to liquids.

• Gases have lower surface tension compared to liquids.

•  Gases do not have a definite melting point, unlike solids.


Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs

• What are three States of matter?

The three states of matter are solids, liquids and gasses.They vary in their shape, structure and intermolecular forces amount them.

• Are clouds a gas?

No,the cloud is is a vaporized form of water or liquids hanging in the sky.So it is not a gas.

• Is dust a gas?

Well,the dust contains extremely small and tiny particles of any substance.However,they are still considered as solids and note gas.

Note:

All credits go to TAHA who wrote this article after a significant research 🧐

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