Question

Describe simple experiment to show that particles of matter are closely packed in solids and less in liquids.

Answer 1

Experiment – To show that particles are closely packed in solids and less in liquids

Procedure –

1. Take a measuring cylinder and add 100 ml. of water to it.
2. Add crystals of sugar [solid] to the water and stir carefully to obtain a sugar solution.
3. The volume of water after the addition of sugar remains the
   same i.e. at 100 ml. mark.

Conclusion –

1. Particles of a liquid [e.g. water] are less closely packed.
2. Particles of a solid [e.g. sugar] are closely packed.
3. The sugar particles fill the intermolecular spaces, which must be existing between the water molecules, and hence the level of water in the measuring cylinder does not rise.