What is the difference between liquids and solids

They can be turned into a liquid when heated which does not change the atoms but affects how they are bound together. Liquids flow with gravity, and some liquids turn into gas when heated or into solids when cooled. A solid is a state of matter that has a definite shape and volume while a liquid is a state of matter that has volume but no definite shape.

A liquid takes the shape of the container that holds it while a solid has a shape of its own. The atoms in a solid are bound tightly together causing it to become compressed, and it can only vibrate while the atoms in a liquid, although bound together, are temporary which allows them to flow. Solids are strong, tough, elastic, ductile, and flexible while liquids are not. Liquids are used as solvents, lubricants, power generators and transmission, and in measuring devices while solids have a variety of uses such as building materials, conducting heat and energy, and as insulators among other things.

Examples of solids are wood, stones, trees, and soil while examples of liquids are water, oil, mercury, and ethanol. Difference Between Solid and Liquid. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 M, Emelda. Name required. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : Emelda M. Mar 06, Cracking a controversial solid state mystery Feb 06, Jun 01, Feb 18, Recommended for you.

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At higher temperatures, their intermolecular interactions are strong enough to hold the particles in place. Previous Section. Table of Contents. Next Section. Solids In the solid state, the individual particles of a substance are in fixed positions with respect to each other because there is not enough thermal energy to overcome the intermolecular interactions between the particles.

Liquids If the particles of a substance have enough energy to partially overcome intermolecular interactions, then the particles can move about each other while remaining in contact.

Gases If the particles of a substance have enough energy to completely overcome intermolecular interactions, then the particles can separate from each other and move about randomly in space.

Example 2 What state or states of matter does each statement, describe? This state has a definite volume. This state has no definite shape. This state allows the individual particles to move about while remaining in contact. Solution This statement describes either the liquid state or the solid state. This statement describes either the liquid state or the gas state. This statement describes the liquid state. Skill-Building Exercise What state or states of matter does each statement describe?

This state has a definite shape. Concept Review Exercise How do the strengths of intermolecular interactions in solids and liquids differ? Answer Solids have stronger intermolecular interactions than liquids do. Looking Closer: Water, the Most Important Liquid Earth is the only known body in our solar system that has liquid water existing freely on its surface. Key Takeaway Solids and liquids are phases that have their own unique properties.

Exercises What are the general properties of solids? What are the general properties of liquids. What are the general properties of gases?