| Phase |
Shape |
Density |
Fluidity |
Diffusion |
Compressibility |
| Solids |
Definite
shape held together by many intermolecular bonds |
High.
Usually solids have the highest density (water is one exception) |
Solids
are not fluid since they maintain their shape due to many intermolecular
bonds. |
For
practical purposes do not diffuse. (Strong intermolecular bonds do
not allow individual pieces to move around.) |
Do
not compress. Neighboring molecules are tightly held.
Relatively little space between molecules. |
| Liquids |
Assume
the shape of the container in which it is place. This is due to the
fact that the intermolecularly bonded strands are not that large and
complex. |
High.
Usually liquids have a density that is lower than that of solids (water is
an exception) |
Are
fluids due to the fact that only a few molecules a linked together with
intermolecular bonds |
Diffuse
relatively slowly since there are some intermolecular bonds between the
molecules.
Evaporation can occur when
individual molecule breaks away from liquid intermolecularly bonded
strand. |
Do
not compress. Neighboring molecules are held tightly together.
Relatively little space between molecules |
| Gases |
Will
expand to fill whatever volume contains the gas. No connections
present |
Low
density. Approximately 1/1000 that of a solid or a liquid. |
Fluid.
Free to move since the molecules are solo. |
Gas
molecules being always in motion are free to expand, spread out.
Diffuse occurs readily. |
Since
there is so much space between gas molecules, gas can be compressed.
We use pressure measurements to indicate how packed in the gas molecules
are. |
