Question

Name the three states of matter and define them.

Answer 1

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

1. Solid State: A solid has a definite shape and a definite volume. Molecules in the solid state are packed very close to each other. Intermolecular space is almost negligible, while the intermolecular force of attraction between the molecules is very strong in solids.
2. Liquid State: A liquid has a definite volume but no definite shape. The molecules in the liquid are less closely packed than in solids. The intermolecular space is greater than solids. The molecules have a weaker intermolecular force of attraction; therefore, the liquid molecules have greater movement than solids, and hence, a liquid flows.
3. Gaseous state: A gas has neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. The molecules in a gas are far apart. The intermolecular force of attraction between the molecules is very weak, and the intermolecular space is large.