Chapter 1: States of matter
1.1: Solids, liquids and gases
Three states of matter are solids, liquids and gases:
State Properties Particle separation Arrangement Motion Density
Solid Fixed shape and volume; Particles are very Regular Vibrate only, no High
particles tightly packed in a close together and arrangement, movement.
regular arrangement; have least amount definite shape.
vibrate in place, not of energy.
compressible.
Liquid Fixed volume but no fixed Close together Irregular, not Slide past each other. Moderate to high
shape; particles close (slightly further fixed, takes shape
together but can slide past apart). of container.
each other, not
compressible.
Gas No fixed shape or volume; Very far apart. Random, no fixed Rapid in all directions Low
particles far apart and arrangement, with high kinetic
move freely at high speeds, takes container energy.
compressible. shape.
Physical change of state: Involves forces between particles of substances.
o Melting: Change in state from solid to liquid. Takes place at melting point (temperature at which solid turns to liquid/melts
e.g. Ice has melting point of 0˚ C). Happens at low temperatures as particles have high kinetic energy to move freely and
spread out.
o Freezing: Change in state from liquid to solid. Takes place at freezing point (temperature at which liquid freezes e.g. Water has
freezing point of 0˚ C). Happens at low temperatures as particles have less kinetic energy to move freely and so they are
pulled back by intermolecular forces into a regular shape (solid).
o Evaporation and boiling:
Evaporation Boiling
Change of state from liquid to gas. Change of state from liquid to gas.
Happens at surface of liquid. Happens throughout liquid.
Happens at any temperature. Happens at boiling point.