Question

What are 5 characteristics of solids?

Answer 1

Hint: Solid can be termed as a fundamental state of matter other than liquid and gas. In this section we will discuss characteristics of solid, the rigidity or the opposing nature to not undergo shape changing. Solids in nature are of two types crystalline and amorphous, their properties shapes and characteristics will be discussed in later sections.

Complete answer:
The five characteristics are:
1) Definite shape and size: In a solid particles are closely packed and cannot move freely like liquids which do not have definite shape so they can take the shape of a container or anything in which it can be poured.
2) Solids cannot be compressed: The rigidity of solid and closely packed molecules prevent it from compression:
3) Force of attraction: molecules can’t move freely due to the strong force of attraction present in them and make them rigid in nature.
4) High density: Due to closely packing more number of molecules in a less area or volume solids are very high density in nature.
5) Movement of molecules: Molecules are held with a strong molecular force of attraction which restricts the motion of molecules but they can vibrate slowly at their mean position.

Additional information:
Solids are of two types:
Crystalline solids: These types of solids are considered as a true solid for example common table salt. A symmetric pattern is present in these solids which repeats over the entire crystal.
Amorphous solid: They are considered as pseudo solid, as they do not contain repeating patterns in them. For example plastic or glass.

Note:
In short we can characterize solids in rigid shapes, high intermolecular force of attraction, tightly packed lattice, not in need of containers to be stored and with very little motion of molecules with respect to gases or liquid.