1. States of Matter

Question 1

What are the characteristics of solids?

Answer 1

Solids have a fixed volume and shape. They have a high density. The atoms vibrate in position but can’t change location. The particles are packed very closely together in a fixed and regular pattern.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of liquids?

Answer 2

Liquids have a fixed volume but adopt the shape of the container. They are generally less dense than solids (with the exception of water), but much denser than gases. The particles in liquids move and slide past each other, allowing liquids to flow freely.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of gases?

Answer 3

Gases do not have a fixed volume and, like liquids, take up the shape of the container. They have a very low density. Gases can be compressed into a much smaller volume due to the large amount of space between particles. The particles in gases are far apart and move randomly and quickly in all directions, with speeds around 500 m/s. They collide with each other and with the sides of the container, creating pressure inside a can of gas.

Question 4

You can explain the differences in the physical properties of solids, liquids and gases by referring to the arrangement and motion of particles. This is called ________.

Answer 4

The kinetic theory of matter