Write the difference between solid, liquid and gas phase?
Hint:Anything that has mass and takes up space is known as matter. Matter exists in three primary states: solid, liquid, and gas. These states of matter are differentiated based on distinctive qualitative differences in their overall properties.
Complete step by step answer:
Solids are defined by a fixed volume and shape, liquids take on the shape of the container they occupy, and gases can expand to fill both the shape and volume of their container. The table below highlights the main distinctions among the solid, liquid, and gas phases for easier comparison of these three states.
|
Basis |
Solid |
Liquid |
Gas |
| Rigidity | Solids are rigid. | Liquids are not rigid. | Gases are not rigid. |
| Fluidity | Solids lack the ability to flow. | Liquids can flow from higher level (concentration) to lower level. | Gases can flow in all directions. |
| Volume and shape | Solids have definite shape and volume due to their rigid structure. | Liquids have definite volume but it lacks definite shape and can take the shape of the container in which it is stored. | Gases neither have a definite shape nor a definite volume. |
| Intermolecular interaction | Particles in a solid are packed closely together, so they are only able to vibrate but not move. | Intermolecular interaction is comparatively less than that of solids, so the molecules or particles have enough energy to move around. | Here, the intermolecular interaction is least, so the gas molecules or particles can move freely and quickly. |
| Compressibility | One cannot compress solid appreciably. | Can be compressed. | Can be compressed significantly. |
| Storage | It can easily be stored without a container or vessel. | Liquids cannot be stored without a vessel or container. | Gases can be stored in vessels only. |
| Examples | Cup, brick, chair, wood, etc. | Water, milk, honey, oil, etc. | Air, ozone, natural gas, etc. |
Note: Recent research has revealed a fourth state of matter, commonly called plasma. Plasma is believed to contain approximately equal amounts of positively and negatively charged particles.