States of Matter

Question 1

How are the particles arranged in a solid?

Answer 1

• Particles are held together by strong forces of attraction in fixed positions.
• The arrangement is a regular lattice.
• They have a definite shape and a definite volume.

Question 2

How are the particles arranged in a liquid?

Answer 2

• Particles are held together by weak forces of attraction and are randomly arranged.
• They tend to stay close together.
• They have a definite volume but not a definite shape.
• They are constantly moving in random motion.

Question 3

How are the particles arranged in a gas?

Answer 3

• There are very weak forces of attraction, meaning that the particles are free to move far apart.
• The particles travel in straight lines.
• They do not have a definite shape or volume.
• They move constantly with random motion.

Question 4

How does something turn from a solid to liquid and what is this called?

Answer 4

Melting occurs when a solid is heated and the particles can break free from their positions and become a liquid.

Question 5

How does something turn from a liquid to a gas and what is this called?

Answer 5

Evaporation occurs when a liquid is heated and the particles gain more energy. The particles move faster and the bonds which are holding the liquid together break and the particles become a gas.

Question 6

How does something turn from liquid to a solid?

Answer 6

Freezing occurs when heat is taken away from a liquid so the particles have less energy and become a solid.

Question 7

How does something turn from a gas to a liquid?

Answer 7

Condensing occurs when heat is taken away from a gas and it becomes a liquid.

Question 8

What’s an alternative method of collecting gas apart from the displacement of water?

Answer 8

Using a gas syringe.