Matter in our surroundings

CHAPTER 1

Matter: Anything that occupies space (has volume) and has mass.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PARTICLES OF MATTER

1.) Particles of matter are extremely small.

2.) Particles of matter have space between them.

3.) Particles of matter attract each other.

4.) Particles of matter are continuously moving.

STATES OF MATTER

Packing of particles and Forces of attraction

1.) In solids, the constituent particles are very closely packed. Hence, the interparticle forces are the
strongest. These forces hold the constituent particles together. That is why solids have a definite
shape and fixed volume.

The particles of solids are very closely packed, i.e., spacing between the constituent particles is
extremely small; therefore, they cannot be compressed. That is why, solids possess rigidity.

2.) In liquids, the particles are less closely packed. Hence the interparticle forces of attraction are not
as strong as those in solids. However, these forces are not strong enough to keep them in fixed
positions. The particles can slip and slide over each other. That is why liquids do not have a definite
shape but have a fixed volume.

As the particles cannot remain in fixed positions, therefore, liquids possess fluidity.

3.) In gases, the interparticle space is very large, interparticle forces are the weakest. Thus, the
particles of a gas are completely free to move about . That is why gases neither have definite shape
nor a fixed volume.

The particles have maximum interparticle space, hence gases are highly compressible. Gases possess
fluidity.
Differences between SOLIDS, LIQUIDS AND GASES.

PROPERTY SOLID LIQUID GAS

Packing of the The particles are very The particles are less The particles are free
particles closely packed. closely packed. to move about.

Interpaticle space Smallest . Larger than those in solids Largest.

but smaller than those in
gases.

Interparticle Strongest Weaker than those in solids Weakest.

forces of but stronger than those in
attraction gases.

Shape and volume Solids have a definite Liquids have a fixed volume Gases have neither a
shape as well as a but no definite shape. definite shape nor a
fixed volume. fixed volume.

Compressibility Solids are completely Liquids are almost Gases are highly
incompressible. incompressible. compressible.

Rigidity/ Fluidity Solids possess rigidity. Liquids possess fluidity. Gases possess
fluidity.

Kinetic energy of Their particles have Their particles have kinetic Their particles have
the particles minimum kinetic energy higher than those of highest kinetic
energy. solids. energy.

Density Solids have high The density of liquids is The gases have very
density. lower than those of solids low densities.
but higher than those of
gases.