The difference between the gaseous state of a substance and a solid or liquid.

One of the states of aggregation inherent in substances is gaseous. It has its own characteristics, and we will talk further about how the gaseous state of matter differs from solid and liquid.

Solid and liquid states

Before going directly to gases, consider how other aggregate states are characterized.

Solid

In this case, the particles of the substance are as close as possible. They are characterized by oscillatory movements, but not translational ones, since the forces of attraction are then compensated by the forces of repulsion. Each of the particles in a solid has a definite place in space, and their order is observed at an unlimited distance (long-range order). All this determines the presence of shape and volume in solids, as well as extremely low compressibility.

Liquid

This state is characterized by some mutual remoteness of molecules. The forces of their attraction decrease, there is a translational movement of particles, which is characterized by chaos. Particle ordering is present only at small distances (short-range order). This is manifested in such properties of liquids as a lower density than solids and the absence of their own shape (it depends on the shape of the provided container). However, liquids have a volume that is practically independent of pressure.

Comparison

Now let's move on to the main question and consider the difference between the gaseous state of matter from solid and liquid.

If other states are characterized by a certain ordering of particles, then gaseous ones are characterized by their independent arrangement and the absence of long-range or short-range order. The distance between the molecules that form the gas is the greatest in comparison with solids and liquids. They move as chaotically as possible, interacting insignificantly. This arrangement of particles provides a low density of gases and the absence of their own shape.

Another indication of the difference between a gaseous state of a substance and a solid or liquid is the ability of gases to fill all the available space. There is no fixed volume for gases. This characteristic changes with pressure changes. Gases are characterized by high compressibility.

Table

Gases Substances in liquid form Solids
Particles are significantly distant from each otherDistance between particles is averageParticles are very close
Particles are not orderedShort-range order of placement of particlesLong-range order of placement of particles
Particles move chaoticallyParticle movement is less chaoticParticles vibrate in place
Negligible particle interactionAverage particle interactionStrong particle interaction
No shapeNo shapeRetain shape
Volume not conservedRetain volumeRetain volume
Well compressibleNot compressibleNot compressible
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