Key Difference Between Solid, Liquid and Gas in Tabular Form with Definition

Difference Between Solids, Liquids, and Gas Overview

An object that is rigid, has a low intermolecular space between molecules and exhibits strong intermolecular forces that bind the molecules together is referred to as a solid. Contrarily, liquids are less rigid and flow more easily. Typically, they have characteristics that allow them to go from higher to lower areas. Compared to solids, this is a characteristic that only liquids have. Solids do, however, have a few flaws. In contrast to solids and liquids, gases exhibit notably distinct properties. Gases largely flow freely because there is little to no intermolecular force at play.

Difference between Solid Liquid and Gases

Here is a table of key differences between solid, liquid, and gas along with the basis of differentiation-

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Key Differences Between Solid, Liquid, and Gas

Following are the key differences between solids, liquids, and gas-

1. Solids are defined as having a firm shape that cannot be easily modified and structural stiffness. A liquid is defined as a fluid with the properties of water that flows freely and has a definite volume but no fixed shape. A substance known as gas entirely conforms to the shape of the container it is placed in despite having no shape of its own.
2. Solids have a definite shape and volume, whereas liquids just have a definite volume and no shape, and gases lack both shape and volume.
3. Gases have the most energy, liquids have a medium level, and solids have the least.
4. Solids are difficult to compress, liquids are almost incompressible, but gases can be compressed with ease.
5. In solids, the molecular arrangement is well-organized. In liquids, however, the molecular layers constantly move over one another. Gases, on the other hand, have very disorganized particles, which causes the particles to travel randomly.
6. Solids cannot flow when it comes to fluidity, but liquids may, including from higher levels to lower levels. In contrast, gas flows freely in all directions.
7. Solids have regular and close molecular arrangements, whereas liquids have irregular and sparse molecular arrangements, and gases also have random and more sparse molecular arrangements.
8. Strong intermolecular attraction keeps the particles securely bound in solids, whereas liquids have a more moderate interparticle attraction. In contrast, the particles are only weakly stuck together because of the weak intermolecular attraction.
9. Solids have the maximum sound speed, which is somewhat slower in liquids and slowest in gases.
10. The spacing between molecules and kinetic energy is minimal for solids, the average for liquids, and highest for gases. Thus, molecular motion in solids is minimal, whereas it is evident in liquids, where it is chaotic and random. Unlike gases, which have molecules moving freely, continuously, and randomly.
11. Solids don't need a container for storage because they have a definite shape and size. Without a container, liquids cannot be kept in storage. A closed container is necessary, however, for the storage of gases.

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Definition of Solid

Solids is a category of matter with a rigid structure that resists changes in its volume and shape. They have securely bonded particles that are neatly arranged in a predictable way. Due to their close proximity, its particles will continuously vibrate and twist but won't appear to move. They are rigidly shaped and exhibit strong intermolecular attraction. Additionally, because there aren't many spaces between their molecules, compression is exceedingly difficult.  Solids can diffuse into liquids and have a defined volume. Additionally, they are barely compressible. They have the lowest interparticle spacing and the highest density. They have a powerful interparticle force of attraction. They also possess the lowest kinetic energy. Their molecules are arranged in a certain manner toward the end.

Characteristics of Solid-

1. Solid particles have the ability to vibrate.
2. The kinetic energy of solids is quite low.
3. There are two types of solids: crystalline and amorphous.
4. Diffusion is quite minimal for solids.
5. Density is high for solids.
6. Solids have distinct shapes and volumes.

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Definition of Liquid

Liquids is freely flowing materials with a constant volume and an ambiguous shape. They adopt the shape of the container they are in as a result. Intermolecular connections firmly hold the tiny particles in them. It's critical to grasp the properties of solids, liquids, and gases in order to distinguish between them. Liquids with a low surface area have a high surface tension. Strong intermolecular forces and a defined volume are characteristics of liquids. In addition, the diffusion is greater as compared to solids. They also have a medium density. Additionally, because they are less rigid, they flow effortlessly. In actuality, at a specific temperature, liquids have higher particle kinetic energy than solids.

Characteristics of Liquid-

1. In liquids, there is room between atoms and molecules.
2. Liquids are capable of passing each other.
3. There is moderate kinetic energy.
4. In liquids, the density is lower.
5. Liquids have a moderate ability to disperse.
6. Capillary action, or the movement of any liquid via a tube, is a property of liquids.
7. Liquids exhibit resistance.

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Definition of Gas

A state of matter termed "gas" freely diffuses in all directions. As a result, regardless of the quantity, they completely fill the space that is available. Its constituent particles lack a defined shape and volume. Due to the loosely held bonds between their molecules, there is plenty of room for them to move continuously and freely. Due to weak intermolecular interactions, gases lack precise volumes. They can flow readily because they lack stiffness. They fill the container but lack a distinct shape and have the most interparticle space because the molecules in them are very weakly packed.

Characteristics of Gas-

1. Between atoms and molecules, there is a large amount of space.
2. The kinetic energy of gases is very high.
3. Compressing gases is simple.
4. A gas has a low density.
5. There is a collision of gases.

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Change in State of Matter

When the matter is heated or cooled, it transforms from one state to another, which is referred to as a "physical transformation." Therefore, several methods for altering the state of matter are listed below-

1. Melting: The transformation of a solid into a liquid.
2. Freezing: The process of freezing aids in the conversion of liquid to solid.
3. Vaporization:The process of turning a liquid into a gas is called vaporization.
4. Condensation: The conversion of a gas into a liquid.
5. Sublimation:Sublimation is the process through which a solid transforms into a gas.
6. Deposition:The procedure by which a gas becomes a solid.

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