Question

1. use the chart to identify the state of matter described by the following. many of these have more than one answer! (use s, l or g in the spaces.)

_______ not easily compressible
_______ rigid – particles locked into place
_______ flows easily
_______ compressible
_______ lots of free space between particles
_______ does not flow easily
_______ assumes the shape of the part of the container which it occupies
_______ particles can move past one another
_______ retains a fixed volume and shape
_______ assumes the shape and volume of its container
_______ little free space between particles

Explanation:

1. not easily compressible: Solids and liquids have tightly packed particles with little space to be squeezed together.
2. rigid – particles locked into place: Only solids have particles fixed in a rigid, ordered structure that doesn't move freely.
3. flows easily: Liquids and gases have particles that can move past each other, allowing them to flow.
4. compressible: Gases have large amounts of empty space between particles, so they can be compressed.
5. lots of free space between particles: Gas particles are spread far apart, creating significant free space.
6. does not flow easily: Solid particles are locked in position, so they cannot flow.
7. assumes the shape of the part of the container which it occupies: Liquids take the shape of the container's bottom/occupied portion but keep a fixed volume.
8. particles can move past one another: Liquid and gas particles are not fixed in place, so they can slide or move past each other.
9. retains a fixed volume and shape: Solids have fixed particle positions, so their volume and shape do not change.
10. assumes the shape and volume of its container: Gases expand to fill the entire container they are placed in.
11. little free space between particles: Solid and liquid particles are closely packed with minimal empty space between them.

Answer:

1. S, L
2. S
3. L, G
4. G
5. G
6. S
7. L
8. L, G
9. S
10. G
11. S, L