When matter is in a liquid state, are its molecules tightly or loosely bound together in a stable structure?
1 Answer
Jan 5, 2017
Loosely bound in a way where the particles vibrate, rotate, and translate.
Explanation:
Particles in a solid state are bonded together in which vibrational motion is only possible.
Special solids have rotation, but majority have vibrational.
Liquid and gas particles also have vibration motion, but also rotational and translational.
The particles' ability to translate gives the matter the ability to flow.
"Tightly bound" refers to the particles' strong attraction to one another. This is that of solids.
If they were loosely bound, the particles can displace each other, allowing them to flow. Thus, liquids and gases.
This website outlines what I said very well: https://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/liquids/character.html
Hope this helps :)
