Compare and contrast the arrangement and movement of particles in solid, liquid and gas.
The correct answer and explanation is:
In solids, particles are closely packed together in a regular arrangement. The forces of attraction between them are strong, which keeps the particles in fixed positions. As a result, solids have a definite shape and volume. The particles vibrate in place but do not move freely, which accounts for the rigidity of solids. The movement is limited to small oscillations around fixed positions, and because of the strong intermolecular forces, solids cannot be easily compressed.
In liquids, the particles are still closely packed but not as tightly as in solids. The intermolecular forces are weaker than in solids, allowing the particles to slide past one another. This fluidity enables liquids to flow and take the shape of their container, but they still maintain a fixed volume. The movement of particles in liquids is more free compared to solids, and they move in a random fashion, though they are still relatively close to each other. Liquids are incompressible, although less so than solids.
In gases, the particles are far apart and move freely at high speeds in all directions. The intermolecular forces in gases are extremely weak, so the particles do not interact much with each other. As a result, gases do not have a definite shape or volume. Instead, they expand to fill the container they are in. The particles move rapidly and collide with one another and the walls of the container. Gases are highly compressible because there is significant space between particles, which can be reduced when pressure is applied.
In summary, the primary difference in the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids, and gases lies in the strength of the intermolecular forces and the freedom of movement. Solids have closely packed particles with limited vibration, liquids have particles that can slide past each other, and gases have widely spaced particles moving freely at high speeds.