Question

Why are solids generally denser than liquids and gases?

Answer 1

Hint:Any substance that occupies space and has mass is termed as matter. Matter is broadly categorized into three basic forms based on the differences in their bulk properties, they are, solids, liquids and gases.

Complete answer:
Solids are marked by their definite shape and volume. Liquids are marked by their property to be able to adapt to the shape of the container they are kept in while keeping definite volume and gases are marked by their property to be able to adapt to both shape as well as the volume of the container they are stored in.
The molecules of a gas and a liquid are present at significant distances from each other. In other words, they have comparatively large gaps or intermolecular spaces. Because of these large gaps, the intermolecular attractions are minimized and weak. Thus, liquids and gases are not very dense. On the other hand, the particles in solids are present very close to each other and the intermolecular gaps are very less. The intermolecular forces are thus high giving them making them rigid and dense.
Thus, solids are denser than liquids and gases.

Note:
We know that solids are dense and rigid, having a definite volume and shape. However, some solids known as amorphous solids have a tendency to flow. Due to this, they are known as pseudo solids or super cooled liquids. A common example of pseudo solids is glass. A glass panel in a window or door of a very old building if observed carefully, would look slightly thicker at the bottom than it is at the top.