States of Matter

Gases

Gases do not have a definite shape or volume. Unlike solids and liquids, a gas can change volume very easily. The particles if a gas move at high speeds in all directions. They flow freely. As they move, gas particles spread apart, filling all the space available. Thus, a gashas neither definite shape nor definite volume. Like liquids, gasa are fluids. Breathing demonstrates that gases are fluids because while you are breathing gases in the air flow freely through the body and back out again. Gases do not have definite shape nor volume because gas particles can spread apart ir squeeze together depending on the container.

Solids

Has a definite shape and a definite volume. Particles of a solid are packed very closely together. Each particle is tightly fixed in one position. The particles in a solid are not completely motionless. The particles vibrate back and forth slightly. This fixed, closely packed arrangement of particles causes a solid to have a definite shape or volume.

Liquids/ particles in a liquid

Has a definite volume but no shape of its own. A liquid takes on the shape of the container. Without the container, a liquid speads into a wide, shallow puddle. The particles in a liquid are packed almost as closely as in a solid. However, the particles in a liquid move around one another freely( like a group of marbles in a container.). Because its particles are free to move, a liquid has no definite shape. However, it does have a definite volume. A liquid can flow from place to place. For this reason, a liquid is also called a fluid, meaning " a substance that flows".

Types of solids

In many solids, the particles form a regular repeating pattern. Those patterns create crystals. Solids that are made up of crystals are called crystalline solids. Examples are salt, sugar, and snow. When a crystalline solid is heated, it melts at a specific temperature. In amorphous solids, the particles are not arranged in a regular pattern. Examples are plastic, rubber, glass, and butter. Amorphous solids do not melt at a distinct temperature. What are the differences between a crystalline solid and a amorphous solid? Crystalline solids: particles are arranged in a regular pattern. Have a distinct melting point. Amorphous solids: particles are not in a regular pattern. No distinct melting point.

Particles in a solid

Particles that make up a solid are packed very closely together. Each particle is tightly fixed in one position. The particles in a solid are not completely motionless. The particles vibrate back qnd forth slightly. This fixed, closely packed arrangement of particles causes a solid to have a definite shape and volume.

Types of matter

Solids, liquids, and gases may be elements, compounds, or mixtures. For example: gold (Au) is an element. H2o is a compound seen as a solid, as a liquid, and as a gas. Air is a mixture of gases. Matter can be classified as a solid, liquid, or gas. These 3 states of matter are defined mainly by the way they hold their shape and volume.

Properties if a liquid

Surface tension is a property of liquids that is caused by the inward molecules making up a liquid. This pull brings the molecules on the surface closer together. This explains why water forms droplets and supports the weight of certain insects on its surface. Surface tension is caused by the position and the attraction of liquid particles. Another property of liquids is a liquids resistance to flowing. Viscosity depends on the size and shape of the particles of a liquid, and the attraction between particles. Liquids with high viscosity flow slowly(honey). Liquids with low viscosity flow quickly(water).