Why do solids have definite volume

This state has individual particles in a fixed position with regard to each other. This state has individual particles far apart from each other in space.

How do the strengths of intermolecular interactions in solids and liquids differ? Show Answer. Earth is the only known body in our solar system that has liquid water existing freely on its surface. That is a good thing because life on Earth would not be possible without the presence of liquid water. Water has several properties that make it a unique substance among substances. It is an excellent solvent; it dissolves many other substances and allows those substances to react when in solution.

In fact, water is sometimes called the universal solvent because of this ability. Though a liquid at normal temperatures, water molecules experience a relatively strong intermolecular interaction that allows them to maintain the liquid phase at higher temperatures than expected. Unlike most substances, the solid form of water is less dense than its liquid form, which allows ice to float on water.

In colder weather, lakes and rivers freeze from the top, allowing animals and plants to continue to live underneath. Water also requires an unusually large amount of energy to change temperature.

Thus, water changes its temperature slowly as heat is added or removed. This has a major impact on weather, as storm systems like hurricanes can be impacted by the amount of heat that ocean water can store. What phase or phases have a definite volume? What phase or phases do not have a definite volume? Name a common substance that forms a crystal in its solid state.

Name a common substance that forms an amorphous solid in its solid state. Are substances with strong intermolecular interactions likely to be solids at higher or lower temperatures? Are substances with weak intermolecular interactions likely to be liquids at higher or lower temperatures? State two similarities between the solid and liquid states. State two differences between the solid and liquid states.

At higher temperatures, their intermolecular interactions are strong enough to hold the particles in place. Privacy Policy.

Skip to main content. Chapter 8: Solids, Liquids, and Gases. Search for:. Learning Objective Describe the solid and liquid phases. 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. The molecules can vibrate but do not move around which keeps the shape and volume definite. The molecules can move around and the forces of attraction between molecules is less as compared to solids, so the liquid takes the shape of the container and volume is definite.

The force of attraction between molecules is also very less, as a result gases acquire any shape or any volume. Book a free class. Book a free class Join class now already booked a class? Allied solutions. Book a free class now. Matter and its Composition Exercise. Matter and its Composition 2. Physical and Chemical Changes 3. Elements, Compounds and Mixtures 4. Atomic Structure 5. Language of Chemistry 6. Metals and Non-Metals 7. Exercise 2.

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