Matter around us exists in three different states– solid, liquid and gas. These states of matter arise due to the variation in the characteristics of the particles of matter.
The Gaseous State
Gases are highly compressible as compared to solids and liquids.
The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder that we get in our home for cooking or the oxygen supplied to hospitals in cylinders is compressed gas.
In the gaseous state, the particles move about randomly at high speed.
Due to this random movement, the particles hit each other and also the walls of the container.
The Liquid State
Liquids have no fixed shape but have a fixed volume.
They take up the shape of the container in which they are kept.
Liquids flow and change shape, so they are not rigid but can be called fluid.
The rate of diffusion of liquids is higher than that of solids.
This is due to the fact that in the liquid state, particles move freely and have greater space between each other as compared to particles in the solid state.
The Solid State
All solids have a definite shape, distinct boundaries and fixed volumes, that is, have negligible compressibility.
Solids have a tendency to maintain their shape when subjected to outside force.
Solids may break under force but it is difficult to change their shape, so they are rigid.
