Solids, Liquids, Gases

Solid State

Particles are arranged in a regular three-dimensional structure (crystalline) or have no regular arrangement (amorphous); particles only vibrate; have a fixed volume and shape.

Liquid State

Particles are in close contact, moving and colliding continuously; arranged in a limited, irregular order; particles move past each other; have a fixed volume but take the shape of the container.

Gas State

Particles are far apart, moving and colliding continuously and randomly; no regular arrangement; particles move freely; take the shape and volume of the container; easily compressed.

Molecular Volume Comparison (Solid/Liquid/Gas)

The solid and liquid phases for a particular substance typically have similar molar volume because, in both phases, the constituent particles are in close contact at all times.

Gas Particles' Motion

In the gas phase, the particles are in constant motion, and their frequencies of collision and the average spacing between them are dependent on temperature, pressure, and volume.

IMF's influence on States of Matter

The structure of a solid is influenced by interparticle interactions (IMFs) and the ability of the particles to pack together.

Liquids and Solids Compression

Liquids and solids cannot be easily compressed because their particles are close together.

Temperature Range (Liquid Stability)

The temperature range where a substance is a liquid is determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces (H-bonding, dipole-dipole, and LDF present)

Coulomb's Law

F = k*|q1q2|/r² (Used to describe the force between two charged particles).