Chapter 13.4, Problem 48SSC

To determine

To Distinguish: Between solids and liquids.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Solid is a state of matter in which the atoms are very closely packed due to which solids have fixed shape and volume.

A liquid is a phase between solid and gas. The atoms of liquid are not as closely packed as that of solids. The liquids have zero shear stress resistance due to which most of the liquids tend to flow. So, the liquids do not have a fixed shape.

Solids	Liquids
1. Definite volume and shape	1. Definite volume but do not have fixed shape
2. Negligible compressibility.	2. Negligible compressibility for most.
3. High density.	3. Low density.
4. The attraction between particles is very strong.	4. Attraction between the particles is less strong.
5. Very rigid and can’t flow.	5. Less rigid and can easily flow.
6. The definite molecular arrangement so possesses a definite shape.	6. No proper molecular arrangement so does not possess a definite shape.

Conclusion: 

All the matter is made up of atoms but the state (liquid or solid) depends on molecular arrangement whether it is closely packed or loosely packed.