Chapter 11: Problem 1

Most substances can be in three states. What are they?

Short Answer

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The three states of substances are solid, liquid, and gas.

Step by step solution

Identification of the states of matter

The substances around us can exist in three different states, which are solid, liquid, and gas. These states describe the distinct forms that different phases of matter take on.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Solid

Imagine holding a rock in your hand. What makes it feel hard and keep its shape? It's because it's in the solid state of matter. Solids have a definite shape and volume, which means they won't change unless acted upon by an outside force.

The molecules in a solid are closely packed together. They are in a fixed position but can vibrate. This is why solids are generally incompressible and rigid. Think about ice, diamonds, or a bar of chocolate, their shape doesn't easily change because their molecules are tightly secured in place.

Unique Characteristics of Solids

Definite volume and shape
Molecules vibrate but don't move from their position
Dense and incompressible

Liquid

Now let's picture water flowing in a stream or milk being poured into a bowl of cereal. These are liquids, and they are capable of taking the shape of their containers. Unlike solids, liquids don't have a fixed shape, but they do have a definite volume.

The molecules in a liquid are close to each other, but not as close as in a solid. They can move around, allowing the liquid to flow. This mobility is the reason liquids can be poured and why they take the shape of whatever they're in. Still, because their molecules are relatively close, liquids don't easily compress.

Unique Characteristics of Liquids

Definite volume but no fixed shape
Molecules can move freely, making them fluid
Relatively incompressible

Gas

What can't you see but you feel every time you take a breath? You're right if you thought of air. Air is a mixture of gases, one of the states of matter that doesn't have a definite shape or volume. If you inflate a balloon, the gas inside expands to fill the entire space available.

Gas molecules are much farther apart than in solids or liquids, and they move around freely and quickly. This freedom means that gases are compressible and will expand to fill any container they're placed in. Because of the space between molecules, gas can be squeezed into a smaller volume under pressure.

Unique Characteristics of Gases

No definite volume or shape
Molecules are far apart and move around at high speeds
Compressible and expandable

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Most substances can be in three states. What are they?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identification of the states of matter

Key Concepts

Solid

Unique Characteristics of Solids

Liquid

Unique Characteristics of Liquids

Gas

Unique Characteristics of Gases

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