Solids, Liquids, and Gases A Molecular Comparison

A major difference between liquids and solids is the freedom of movement of the constituent molecules or atoms. Even though the atoms or molecules in a Uquid are in close contact, thermal energy partially overcomes the attractions between them, allowing them to move around one another. This is not the case in solids the atoms or molecules 

State Density Shape Volume Strength of Intermolecular Forces (Relative to Thermal Energy) 

Solids have a definite shape because, in contrast to liquids and gases, the molecules or atoms that compose solids are fixed in place—each molecule or atom merely vibrates about a fixed point. Like liquids, sohds have a definite volume and generally cannot be compressed because the molecules or atoms composing them are already in close contact. 

A FIGURE 11.1 Liquids Assume the Shapes of Their Containers When we 

A FIGURE 11.2 Gases Are Compressible Molecules in a hquid are closely spaced and are not easily compressed. Molecules in a gas have a great deal of space between them, making gases compressible. 

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