Determine whether each of the following statements refers to a solid, liquid, or gas:
It has a definite volume and will flow.
It has no definite shape and no definite volume.
It is of a specific size and shape.
It has an indefinite shape and slight compressibility.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Here are the answers for each statement:
- It has a definite volume and will flow.
Answer: Liquid - It has no definite shape and no definite volume.
Answer: Gas - It is of a specific size and shape.
Answer: Solid - It has an indefinite shape and slight compressibility.
Answer: Liquid
Explanation:
Matter exists mainly in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has distinct physical properties based on the arrangement and movement of its particles.
Solids have particles tightly packed in a fixed, orderly arrangement. This gives solids a definite shape and definite volume. Because the particles cannot move freely, solids do not flow. The fixed arrangement also makes solids incompressible; applying pressure does not significantly change their volume.
Liquids have particles that are close together but not fixed in place. This allows liquids to flow and take the shape of their container. Despite having no fixed shape, liquids have a definite volume because their particles remain close. Liquids are slightly compressible but much less so than gases. This slight compressibility is due to the small spaces between particles that can reduce under pressure.
Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely. Because of this, gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. Gases expand to fill the container they occupy. Their particles can be compressed easily because of the large spaces between them. This high compressibility distinguishes gases from solids and liquids.
The statement “It has a definite volume and will flow” best describes a liquid, as it flows but maintains volume. “It has no definite shape and no definite volume” refers to gases, which expand and have variable volume. “It is of a specific size and shape” clearly describes a solid, with fixed volume and shape. Lastly, “It has an indefinite shape and slight compressibility” fits liquids because they do not have a fixed shape and are only slightly compressible.
Understanding these states is essential for grasping how matter behaves in different conditions and is fundamental in physics and chemistry.