States of Matter

States
of matter is of prime importance to physicists. Everyday elements and compounds form three
physical states of matter, however there are many other states, less common but equally important.
The liquid-crystal state of certain compounds has the properties of solids as well as liquids, and is
the basis of electronic displays. More states are obtained when the particles are lighter.
The electrons in metals and ceramics undergo a change due to which electricity is conducted
without dissipation.
Thus matter is classified mainly into three categories depending upon its
physical state namely solid, liquid and gaseous states.

 Solids have a definite volume and shape: Definite shape and volume of the solids is result
of strong forces of attraction between its constituent particles which keep them together in a
fixed position and arrangement.
 Liquids also have a definite volume but no definite volume: They take shape of the
container in which they are placed. This is due to relatively weaker force of attraction among
the particles of liquid.
 Gases have neither a definite volume nor a definite shape: They fill the container
completely in which they are placed. This is due to the fact that the force of attraction among
the particles of liquids is almost zero and they are free to move independently to each other.

We will discuss the gaseous and liquid states of matter in detail under
following sub-topics

 Van der Waals Forces

 Properties of Gases and Gas Laws
 Kinetic Molecular Theory
 Ideal Gas Law & Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressure
 Graham’s Law of Diffusion & Gas Eudiometry
 Deviation From Ideal Gas Behaviour and Van der Waal’s Equation
 Liquid State
 Solved Examples

Distiniction Among Different States of Matter

S.No Property Solid Liquid Gas

1 Shape Definite shape Indefinite shape Indefinite shap

2 Volume Definite Volume Definite Volume Indefinite Volum

3 Inter particular Strong Inter particular Comparatively weaker Inter Inte rparticular
Forces Forces particular Forces negligible
4 Inter particular Negligible inter Comparatively large inter particular Very large Inte
Space particular space space
5 Particular Motion Particle motion is Particle motion is very slow Particle motion
restricted to vibratory also random.
motion.
6 Packing of Particles Particles are very Particles are loosely packed Particles are ve
Closely packed
7 Compressibility Incompressible Compressible Highly Compre

8 Density Very High Density Low Density Very low densi