Chapter 2, Problem 12STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The differences among solid, liquid, and gases needs to be explained both macroscopically and microscopically.

Concept introduction: Matter is something that has mass and volume. Almost everything surrounds us is considered as matter except gas; it is made up of very small particles. The states of matter classify all the substances according to their existence in nature. They are different from each other.

Answer to Problem 12STP

Macroscopically differences between solids, liquid, and gases are mentioned below:

• Solid: Solid has fixed shape, volume.
• Liquid: Liquid has definite volume bus unfixed shape.
• Gas: Gas has no fixed shape and volume.

Microscopically differences between solids, liquid, and gases are mentioned below:

• Solid: Molecules which make up a solid are set in repeating, regular pattern and also, they are held definitely in place (can vibrate within a limited range).
• Liquid: Molecule which make up this matter flow easily around one place to another place.
• Gas: In gases, atoms & molecules are much more spread out as compared to solids and liquids. 

Explanation of Solution

Microscopic and macroscopic, both are antonyms. A macroscopic world includes anything seen with the naked eye whereas, a microscopic worldincludes things not seen with the naked eye.

Solid, liquids and gases are all made up of molecules, atoms, and ions. The states of matter classify all the substances according to their existence in nature. They are different from each other. In macroscopically, the changes in properties can be felt by our sense but in microscopically the changes in properties cannot be sensed.

The differences among solid, liquid, and gases both macroscopically and microscopically are mentioned below:

	Solid	Liquid	Gas
Macroscopically	The solid-state is the fix and stable character of the substance. The volume of the solid substance is fixed and cannot change by applying external factors.	The arrangement of the liquid molecules is not fixed. They can change their position according to the container. The volume is definite for the liquid.	The intermolecular space is very high in the gaseous molecules. The gaseous molecules have no definite volume.
Microscopically	The arrangement of the molecules is fixed and constant. The intermolecular space is negligible in the solid substance. The compressibility factor does not affect the molecular arrangement of the solid.	The intermolecular space is found in the liquid molecules. They have the intermolecular attraction due to this the liquid can flow. The intermolecular space decreasing in applying the compression in the liquid molecules.	The gas molecules move freely in the atmosphere. The arrangement of the gas molecules is not fixed. The compression is changing the state of the gaseous molecules. There are large decreases in the intermolecular space between the molecules and get closer to each other.

Conclusion

Solid, liquid, and gases are macroscopically and microscopically different from each other.