Question

Indicate whether each of the following describes a gas, a liquid, or a solid: a. This substance has no definite volume or shape. b. The particles in a substance do not interact with each other. c. The particles in a substance are held in a rigid structure.

Short answer

a. Gas, b. Gas, c. Solid

Step-by-step solution

Identify Properties for Each State of Matter

Understand the basic properties of gases, liquids, and solids. Gases have no definite shape or volume, liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape, and solids have both a definite shape and volume.

Analyze Statement (a)

The statement 'This substance has no definite volume or shape' describes a gas because gases expand to fill their container, meaning they do not have a definite shape or volume.

Analyze Statement (b)

The statement 'The particles in a substance do not interact with each other' indicates a gas since gas particles are far apart and interact very weakly compared to liquids and solids.

Analyze Statement (c)

The statement 'The particles in a substance are held in a rigid structure' describes a solid because in solids, the particles are tightly packed in a fixed arrangement, which gives them a definite shape.

Key concepts

properties of gases

Gases have unique properties that set them apart from liquids and solids. One of their standout characteristics is the lack of definite shape or volume. Gases expand to fill any container they are placed in. This means their shape and volume are determined by the space they occupy. The particles in a gas are spread out and move freely. Gases can also be compressed quite easily, meaning you can squeeze them into a smaller volume. This is why gases are often stored in pressurized containers.
Another key property is that gas particles hardly interact with each other. They are far apart and move independently, often colliding without sticking together. This makes gases less dense compared to liquids and solids.

properties of liquids

Liquids are known for having a definite volume but no definite shape. They take the shape of the container they are in but maintain a consistent volume regardless of container size. The particles in a liquid are closer together than in a gas but not as tightly packed as in a solid. This intermediate state allows liquids to flow and adapt to the shape of their container.
Another important property of liquids is viscosity, which refers to how easily the liquid flows. Water has low viscosity and flows easily, while honey has high viscosity and flows more slowly. Liquids also have surface tension, which is the result of cohesive forces between molecules. This is why water droplets form beads on surfaces.

properties of solids

Solids are characterized by their definite shape and volume. The particles in a solid are tightly packed in a fixed, rigid structure, which gives them a stable shape. Solids do not change shape unless a force is applied to them. They have a high density because their particles are closely packed.
The main feature of solids is their rigidity. However, some solids, like rubber, can be partially flexible. Most solids don't flow and are not easily compressible. The strong interaction between particles in a solid makes it difficult to change their shape or volume.