1. 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)

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.