What is the Difference Between Liquid and Solid?

The difference between liquid and solid matter can be understood through their properties, such as shape, volume, and the motion of their particles. Here are the key differences between liquids and solids:

• Shape: Solids have a definite shape, while liquids take the shape of the container they are in.
• Volume: Solids have a definite volume, whereas liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape.
• Particle Motion: In a solid, particles are in fixed positions with respect to each other, vibrating around their equilibrium positions. In a liquid, particles are close to each other but can move around freely, enabling them to flow and take the shape of their container.

In summary, solids have a fixed shape and volume, with particles closely packed together and vibrating in place. Liquids, on the other hand, have a definite volume but no fixed shape, and their particles are free to move around, allowing the liquid to flow and conform to the shape of its container.

Comparative Table: Liquid vs Solid

Here is a table comparing the differences between liquids and solids:

Solids have a definite shape and volume, with strong intermolecular forces holding their constituent particles in fixed positions. They are rigid and cannot flow, with high density and low kinetic energy of particles.

Liquids, on the other hand, have a definite volume but no definite shape, taking the shape of their container. Their intermolecular forces are strong enough to hold constituent particles in aggregation within the bulk but not in fixed positions. They are less rigid and can flow easily, having a moderate density and higher kinetic energy of particles than solids.