Question

Comment upon the following:

rigidity, compressibility, fluidity, filling a gas container, shape, kinetic energy and density.

Answer 1

• Rigidity: It is the property which helps a substance retain its shape when force is applied to it. Solids are rigid while gases and liquids are not.
• Compressibility: Compressibility is the property that allows particles of matter to be compressed or reduced in volume by applying force or pressure. Gases are very compressible.
• Fluidity: It is the tendency of a substance to flow. Liquids and gases possess fluidity while solids are rigid.
• Filling a gas container: Because of the minimal interparticle force of attraction, gas molecules can move in all directions and fill the container.
• Shape: Solids have a distinct shape, whereas liquids take on the shape of the container in which they are stored, and gases have no shape.
• Kinetic energy: Kinetic energy refers to the energy that particles contain as a result of their motion. Gas particles have the most kinetic energy because they can move freely in all directions. Solids have the lowest kinetic energy because their particles move the least.
• Density: Density refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume. Solids have the highest density because their molecules are tightly packed.