Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Key Words Solid Crystalline solid Amorphous solid Liquid Fluid Viscosity gas

The following information written in red will go under the flap labeled Solid

Solids A solid has a definite volume and definite shape.

Particles in a Solid Particles in a solid are packed very closely together. Particles are tightly fixed in one position making it hard to separate them. Because the particles in a solid are packed tightly together and stay in fixed positions, a solid has a definite shape and volume.

~ Particles vibrate, meaning they move back an forth slightly. This motion is similar to a person running in place. ~ Like a group of balls connected by tight springs ~ Stay in about the same position however, the individual pieces still able to vibrate back and forth in their place.

Types of Solids Crystalline Solids: patterns create crystals. Examples: Salt, Sugar, Sand, Snow Has a distinct melting point

Types of Solids Amorphous Solids are not arranged in a regular pattern. Example: Plastics, Rubber and Glass Do NOT have a distinct melting point. Instead melting they just become softer

Plastic Means “able to be molded into many shapes”

The following information written in red will go under the flap labeled Liquid

Liquid Has no shape of its own; takes the shape of its container They do not easily compress or expand If you were to squeeze water between your hand it would change shape but the volume would not decrease or increase. Same volume no matter the shape

Particles in a liquid Particles packed almost as closely as in a solid. Particles move around each other freely. Particles are free to move, a liquid has not definite shape but has a definite volume.

Fluid Liquid particles are free to move around each other, they can flow from place to place. This is why liquid is called fluid – “substance that flows”

The resistance of liquid to flowing is called viscosity. Some liquids flow more easily than others. The resistance of liquid to flowing is called viscosity. Liquids with high viscosity flow slowly. Example: molasses Liquids with low viscosity flow quickly Example: water

The following information written in red will go under the flap labeled Gas

Gases Can change volume very easily. The volume and shape of a gas is the volume and shape of the container.

Particles of Gas Tiny particles flying at high speeds in all directions. Gas particles spread apart, filling all the space available to them. Gas has neither definite shape nor volume. Examples: Helium Propane

Particles in Gas Gases spread apart filling all the space available.

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Questions 1.Describe how particles in a solid are arranged. 2.How does the movement of particles in a liquid help to explain the shape and volume of liquids? 3.Use what you know about the particles in gas to explain why a gas has no definite shape and no definite volume.