The relationship between volume and state

Solids

• due to the fact that the particles in a solid are in fixed positions
• solids have a fixed shape and volume
• A solid shape will thus retain its shape no matter what container it is in
• for example an ice cube placed in a beaker remains a cube and
• does not attempt to take up the shape of the beaker

Liquids

• when a solid melts it takes the shape of the container
• The liquid conforms to the shape of the container up to the level it occupies because
• A liquid will only take up some of the space of the container
• The volume of the liquid remains constant provided both pressure and temperature remain fixed
• Most liquids occupy a volume that is larger than that of the solid (water is a well known exception to this rule)

Gases

• gas particles have very weak or no bonds between them
• This causes then to move more freely
• a gas takes up all the space in the container
• liquids have a fixed volume but the volume of a gas depends on its container
• For example when iodine crystals are heated they take up the entire volume of the container in which they are heated

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