Introduction
Everything that occupies space and has mass is called matter. We can see around us that matter exists mainly in three different states – Solid, Liquid and Gas. Chair, chocolate, sugar, eraser, sharpener, pencil etc. around you are all examples of matter in solid-state which have a definite shape and volume. Honey, water, milk, oil, tea, coffee, cold drink etc. all are examples of matter in a liquid state which possesses definite volume but no definite shape. Air, oxygen, carbon dioxide etc. all are examples of matter in a gaseous state which possesses neither definite shape nor volume. Thus, you can see solid, liquid and gas all types of matter possess different kinds of properties by which we can distinguish them.
The Difference between Solids, Liquids, and Gas
Solids tends to be characterized by structural rigidity as well as resistance to a force applied on the given surface. The ions and atoms in solids are tightly packed together, thereby restricting their movement.
Liquids are classified as incompressible fluids that acquire the shape of the container they’re poured in. So, although they have a definite volume, the same cannot be said for their shape. They tend to retain a constant volume, independent of their pressure.
Gases are highly compressible forms of matter. Much like liquids, they tend to acquire the shape of the container they’re in but they tend to have an indefinite volume.
The difference between solids, liquids, and gases is shown below in a tabular form:
Difference between Solids, Liquids, and Gas
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FAQs on Difference Between Solid, Liquid and Gas for JEE Main 2024
1. What are solids? What are the two main types of solids?
Solids are those forms of matter whose ions, atoms or molecules are held extremely tightly together in a way they cannot move about or away from each other that easily. Their mass and volume are always definite and they are rigid. The intermolecular distance of separation between the neighboring molecules in solids is so small that it is not possible to compress a solid. And the intermolecular force of attraction between the constituent particles in these is also much stronger than it tends to be in liquids and gases.
There are two primary types of solids. These are as follows:
Crystalline solids: the constituent particles of matters in these are arranged and organized in a very specific and set manner. There are crystals present in the structure of crystalline solids and each and every crystal present tends to have a definite geometry. They have low potential energy and are considered to be the most stable type of solids. Metallic elements like copper and iron and non-metallic elements like iodine and phosphorus are good examples of crystalline solids. Unlike pseudo solids, these don’t flow at all, which is why they are also known as true solids. One of their most common applications involves their usage as raw materials in various types of industries.
Amorphous solids: in these types of solids, the constituent particles of matter tend to be arranged in random order. These are also called non-crystalline solids as this lack a proper and definite arrangement of atoms or molecules in the lattice. This is also the reason why they are known as pseudo solids as due to their lack of ability to form a crystalline structure, they are able to flow. They are unsymmetrical as well as isotropic in nature. Examples include glass, metallic glass, plastic, rubber, etc.
2. Why do solids have a high melting and boiling point?
The higher the force of attraction tends to be, the higher the melting and boiling point of a substance will be. In the case of crystalline solids, all the bonds present between the particles in the repeating geometric structure of the crystal, have equal strength. And if heat is applied, then those bonds will end up breaking at the same time. This is why crystalline solids have a high melting point. Similar is the case with their boiling point as well; as the temperature rises, the molecules would start to vibrate or move faster.
3. Discuss the conductivity of liquids.
Electric conductors are those substances that allow an easy and smooth flow of electricity through them. So, those liquids that let the passage of electricity pass through them, are referred to as conducting liquids or electrolytes. Most of the liquids that tend to have this ability include acids, bases, and salts. For instance, distilled water is considered to be an insulator or a poor conductor, however, on dissolving salt in the water, the solution then becomes a conductor.
4. How are gases able to move freely?
In gases, the kinetic energy of the molecules tends to be much greater than the force of attraction present between them. This renders them much farther apart and lets them move freely of each other.
5. Why do gases tend to exert pressure?
In a gas, the particles present move here and there randomly and because of the weak intermolecular attraction between them, they collide with each other, as well as with the walls of the container they’re in. And as a result, they end up exerting both force and pressure.