Chapter 4: Problem 1

Describe the four phases of matter. Compare their external, observable properties. Compare the nature of the forces between atoms or molecules (or both) in the solid, liquid, and gas phases.

Short Answer

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Answer: The four main phases of matter are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Observable properties and the forces between atoms or molecules are as follows: 1. Solids: Definite shape and volume, particles closely packed, and strong intermolecular forces (covalent, ionic, or metallic bonds). 2. Liquids: Definite volume but not shape, particles closely packed but with more movement, and moderate intermolecular forces. 3. Gases: No definite shape or volume, particles widely spaced with rapid random motion, and weak intermolecular forces. 4. Plasmas: No definite shape or volume, particles extremely spaced, and a mixture of ions and free electrons.

Step by step solution

1. Describing Solids

In the solid phase, particles are closely packed and held together by strong intermolecular forces, such as covalent, ionic or metallic bonds. These forces give solids a definite shape and volume. Most solids have a regular arrangement of particles known as a crystal lattice structure. Examples of solids include ice, metal, and glass.

2. Describing Liquids

In the liquid phase, particles are still close together, but not as tightly packed as in solids. They are held together by slightly weaker intermolecular forces, which allows for more movement of particles. As a result, liquids can flow and take the shape of their container. Liquids have a definite volume but not a definite shape. Examples of liquids include water, oil, and mercury.

3. Describing Gases

In the gas phase, particles are much more widely spaced than in solids or liquids, and they move freely in all directions. The intermolecular forces between gas particles are very weak, causing them to move rapidly and randomly. Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume, as they take the shape and volume of their container. Examples of gases include oxygen, carbon dioxide, and air.

4. Describing Plasmas

In the plasma phase, particles are even more widely spaced than in gases, and they consist of a mixture of ions and free electrons. Plasmas have enough energy for electrons to be torn from their atoms and move freely. Like gases, plasmas do not have a definite shape or volume. Examples of plasmas include stars, lightning, and neon lights.

5. Comparing Observable Properties

Observable properties of the phases are as follows: Solids: Definite shape and volume, particles closely packed, and strong intermolecular forces. Liquids: Definite volume but not shape, particles closely packed but with more movement, and moderate intermolecular forces. Gases: No definite shape or volume, particles widely spaced with rapid random motion, and weak intermolecular forces. Plasmas: No definite shape or volume, particles extremely spaced, and a mixture of ions and free electrons.

6. Comparing Forces between Atoms or Molecules

Solid phase: Atoms or molecules are tightly held together by strong intermolecular forces (covalent, ionic, or metallic bonds). Liquid phase: Atoms or molecules move more freely than in solids, with weaker intermolecular forces than in solid phase, but still significant enough to hold particles close together. Gas phase: Atoms or molecules have very weak intermolecular forces, allowing for rapid, random motion and significant separation between particles.

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Describe the four phases of matter. Compare their external, observable properties. Compare the nature of the forces between atoms or molecules (or both) in the solid, liquid, and gas phases.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Describing Solids

2. Describing Liquids

3. Describing Gases

4. Describing Plasmas

5. Comparing Observable Properties

6. Comparing Forces between Atoms or Molecules

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