Question #51140
1 Answer
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All forms of matter differ from each other due to their molecular arrangement and movement.
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Solid :
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In a solid (for ex; ice), molecules are closely pack together in an orderly manner (giving it its regular shape and its fixed volume). Molecules in a solid cannot move about as they have a very low amount of kinetic energy. They can only vibrate about a fixed position.
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A solid can be converted into a liquid by the process of melting and can also reach the state of gas directly (wihout passing through the liquid state) by the process of sublimation.
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Liquid :
- In a liquid (for ex; liquid), molecules are maintained together but not in an orderly manner (giving it its irregular shape and its fixed volume). Molecules in a liquid, can move about throughout the liquid as they now have a greater kinetic energy which permits them to move about.
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A liquid can be converted back into a solid by process of freezing and can also be converted into a gas by the process of evaporation or boiling.
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Gas :
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In a gas (for ex: steam (the actual gas not the gaming platform....), molecules are not maintained together and don't have an orderly arrangement (giving it its irregular shape and its unfixed volume). Molecules in a gas are in constant random motion due to their high kinetic energy and the space between the molecules.
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A gas can be turned into a liquid by the process of condensation
More info here
(http://www.dummies.com/education/science/chemistry/the-changing-states-of-solids-liquids-and-gases/)
