Question

The decreasing order of densities of solids, liquids and gases for a given mass is:
(A) Solids>Gases>Liquids
(B) Gases > Solids >Liquids
(C) Liquids> Gases > Solids
(D) Solids> Liquids> Gases

Answer 1

Hint: As we know that the solids liquids and gases are the states of matter and the solids are very hard and are not compressible but liquids are soft and it is compressible and gases are even more compressible.

Complete step by step answer:
As we know that matter has three states, solid state, liquid state and gaseous state. In solid state, the particles of solid are very closely packed and have a strong force of attraction between them. So the particles of solid matter can move and occupy smaller volumes. For the given mass the density of compound is inversely proportional to volume. Therefore, the solids have more density.
But when we talk about the liquid state of matter the particles of liquid are not very close packed and have less force of attraction between them as compared to solid.so the particles of liquid have tendency to move and occupy larger volume than solids. Therefore, liquids have less density than solids.
Now coming on gaseous state of matter, the particles of gases are very far from each other and have negligible force of attraction between them.so the particles of gases have much tendency to move and occupy even larger volume than liquids and solids. Therefore, gases have very less density.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note:
In solids, the particles usually just vibrate to and fro about their mean position due to the lack of space. In liquids, particles are able to move in brownian motion while in gases the motion is completely random due to the availability of free space , i.e less density.