Question

Arrange in the order indicated for solids, liquids and gases:
i) Decreasing order- empty space between
ii) Increasing order- tendency to flow
A. i) Solid, liquid, gases ii) gases, liquids, solids
B. i) Solid, liquid, gases ii) solids, gases, liquids
C. i) Gases, liquid, solids ii) solid, liquid, gases
D. i) Solids, gases, liquid ii) gases, solids, liquids

Answer 1

Hint: You should remember that space between particles is directly proportional to the force of attraction between them. So, look at what state the space will be minimum and in which it will be more. While, the tendency of flow is directly proportional to the available space.

Complete answer:
First of all, let us have some knowledge about the three states of matter i.e. solid, liquid and gas.
- We know that anything that occupies space and mass is called matter and matter is present in three forms i.e. solid, liquid and gas. The three states of matter can be distinguished on the basis of the qualitative differences in their bulk properties.
So, solids are characterised by a definite volume and shape. They are rigid in nature with very less intermolecular spaces between its particles. Due to less space and packed particles, they lack the ability to flow.
- On the other hand, liquids are not so rigid and have definite volume but they lack definite shape. It can take the shape of any container. Liquids can flow from higher concentration to the lower concentration as they have a fair amount of intermolecular spaces.
While, gases are not rigid and they are characterised by the ability to expand and adapt any shape and volume of the container. Gases have the maximum intermolecular space between its particles and they can flow in all directions.
- Thus, from this information we can conclude that the decreasing order of the empty space between these forms will be gases having the maximum space and then liquid having a fair amount of space and solid with the least space.
- Whereas the increasing order of the tendency to flow will be solid with least tendency followed by liquid and then gases having the maximum tendency.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: Recently, research has shown that there is a fourth state of matter that exists and it is popularly known as plasma. Plasma is assumed to contain a rough amount of equal numbers of positively and negatively charged entities in it.