Question

The three main states of matter are solids, liquids and gases. Compare the three states with reference to the following characteristics of matter

(a) volume

(b) shape

(c) compressibility

(d) diffusion.

Answer 1

Characteristics	Solids	Liquids	Gases
1. Volume	Have a definite volume	Have a definite volume	Have no definite volume
2. Shape	Have a definite shape	Have no definite shape	Have no definite shape
3.Compressibility	Cannot be compressed	Slightly compressible	Highly compressible
4. Diffusion [Intermingling of Molecules]	Cannot diffuse	Shows diffusion	Diffuse very easily