Question

How are three states of matter different?

Answer 1

The three states of matter are solid, liquid and gas.

Solids

Particles are

• closely packed in orderly arrangement
• Vibrating in fixed positions
• Held together by strong forces of attraction

Solids have:

• fixed volume and shape - particles are in fixed positions
• Cannot be compressed - very little space between particles
• High densities - particles are closely packed together

Liquids

Particles are:

• Closely packed but not in an orderly arrangement
• Sliding and rolling over one another OR translation
• Held together by strong forces of attraction

Liquids have:

• no fixed shape - particles can move freely
• Cannot be compressed - very little space between particles
• High densities - particles are closely packed together

Gases

Particles are:

• Far apart OR widely spaced in a disorderly arrangement
• Move freely and randomly at great speeds
• Held together by weak forces of attraction

Gases have:

• No fixed volume and shape - particles can move freely
• Can be compressed - wide spaces between particles
• Low densities