Question

Compare the properties of the four state of matter in terms of particle arrangement, particle motion, shape,

size, and compressibility

Answer 1

Solid-

• shape-retains a fixed volume and shape
• not easily compressible
• does not flow easily , Particles in a solid are tightly packed, usually in a regular pattern. Particles in a solid vibrate (jiggle) but generally do not move from place to place.

liquid-

• shape-assumes the shape of the part of the container which it occupies
• not easily compressible
• Particles in a liquid are close together with no regular arrangement. Particles in a liquid vibrate, move about, and slide past each other.

Gas-

• shape-assumes the shape and volume of its container
• compressible
• Particles in a gas are well separated with no regular arrangement. Particles in a gas vibrate and move freely at high speeds.

Plasma-

• shape-variable volume and shape
• Plasma is slightly different from the other phases of matter, in that the high temperatures cause the atoms/particles to break apart into electrons and nuclei. This mixture of electrons and nuclei act similarly to gas particles, moving freely and have no distinct arrangement.