Solids, Liquids, & Gases Chemistry 4(C) Comparing the different phases of matter will help you better understand the unique properties of each phase. Solids, Liquids, & Gases Chemistry 4(C)

Solids, Liquids, & Gases Lesson Objectives Compare solids, liquids, and gases Structure Compressibility Shape Volume In this presentation, we will compare solids, liquids, and gases in regards to their structure, compressibility, shape, and volume.

States of Matter Solid – state of matter that maintains shape and volume Liquid – state of matter that maintains volume but flows, adopting the shape of its container Gas – state of matter that flows, adopting the shape and volume of its container Solid Liquid Gas A solid is defined as a state of matter that maintains shape and volume. A liquid is defined as a state of matter that maintains constant volume but flows, adopting the shape of its container. A gas is defined as a state of matter that flows, adopting the shape and volume of its container.

Comparison of Structure First, let’s compare the structures of the states of matter. Solid Liquid Gas

Structure of Solids Particles in a solid are Tightly packed Comparatively fixed in position by strong attractive forces Vibrate in place Do not slide past each other A solid contains particles that are tightly packed together, and comparatively fixed in position because of the relatively strong attractive forces that exist between particles. The strong attractive forces allow the particles to vibrate in place, but prevent the particles from sliding past each other.

Structure of Liquids Particles in a liquid are More loosely packed than a solid Able to slide past each other Moving more quickly than those in the solid Can briefly overcome attractive forces A liquid contains particles that are more loosely packed together than a solid, able to slide past each other, and move more quickly than the particles in a solid. Particles in liquids are able to briefly overcome the attractive forces so that they can flow around each other.

Structure of Gases Particles of gases are Far apart Moving at rapid speeds Minimally affected by attractive forces Particles in a gas are far apart and moving at rapid speeds in straight lines. Gases are minimally affected by attractive forces which allows gases to expand to the size of the container and flow freely.

Ex) Gas is compressed to make it convenient to store Comparison of Compressibility Ex) Gas is compressed to make it convenient to store Solid Liquid Gas Decreasing Compressibility The amount of space between particles determines the ability of the state to be compressed. Gas can be easily compressed because there is lots of space between particles. Liquids are virtually incompressible because there is little space between particles. Solids are incompressible because their particles are packed so tightly they cannot be pushed together any further. For example, gas is usually compressed to make it convenient to store, however, solid and liquid forms of matter have definite volumes.

Shape Comparison Solid Liquid Gas Solid Liquid Gas Definite shape May not be rigid Liquid Adopts the shape of its container Gas Solid Liquid Gas The states of matter are also different in terms of shape. Solids have a definite shape, though it may not be rigid. However, liquids and gases adopt the shapes of their containers and are known as fluids since they have the ability to flow.

Volume Comparison Solid Liquid Gas Solid Liquid Gas Constant volume Inconstant volume Expands to fill container Solid Liquid Gas The states of matter can also be compared in terms of volume. Solids and liquids both have a constant volumes, but gases have inconstant volumes. Unlike the other states of matter, a gas will always expand to fill its container. So the volume of a gas is always equal to the volume of the container that it resides in.

Solids, Liquids, and Gases Lesson Objectives Compare solids, liquids, and gases Structure Compressibility Shape Volume This concludes our presentation on the states of matter. You now know how solids, liquids, and gases compare in terms of structure, compressibility, shape, and volume.