Question

List some physical characteristics that distinguish solids from liquids from gases.

Short answer

Some physical characteristics that distinguish solids from liquids and gases

Solids-

• Solids are rigid; they have a definite shape and definite volume.
• The present atoms and molecules in solids have relatively higher molecular weight than liquids and gases.
• Solids have high boiling and melting points.
• In solids, the atoms and molecules are present in only one place. They can vibrate but can not be moved.

Liquids-

• Liquids do not have rigidity and shape; they have definite volume and can change shape by flowing.
• In liquids, atoms and molecules are very loosely bounded; they can move around freely but stay close to each other.

Gases-

• Gases do not have any definite shape or volume.
• Atoms and molecules in a gaseous state can move freely from one place to another, and gases can spread apart.

Step-by-step solution

States of matter

The state of matter is known as a way that helps in describing the behavior of atoms and molecules present in any substance.

States sometimes are also known as phases, and the molecules and elements present in any compounds can move from one phase to another when energy is given or taken from them.

Step-2 Types of States of matter

There are generally three types of states of matter:

1. Solids

2. liquids

3. Gaseous

They all have very different characteristics from each other.

For example, solids have a greater boiling point and melting point than liquids and gases.