Solids
One of the three fundamental states of matter is solid. A solid forms from a liquid or gas because the energy of atoms lowers as they take up a somewhat organised, three-dimensional structure.
Solids have characteristics that distinguish them from liquids and gases. All solids, for example, can withstand forces applied perpendicular or parallel to a surface (i.e., normal or shear loads, respectively). Such properties are determined by the properties of the atoms that make up the solid, how those atoms are arranged, and the forces that exist between them.
The properties of solids are:
- One of the fundamental states of matter is solid state.
- The rigidity of solids distinguishes them from liquids and gases.
- Because of strong intermolecular forces, the molecules of solids are tightly packed and only oscillate around their mean positions.
- Liquids and gases, on the other hand, have the property of fluidity and can easily flow.
- Solids are states of matter that have a definite shape and volume as well as a rigid structure.
- Solids have the least compressibility and thermal expansion of any material. Iron is an example
What is Matter ?
The three basic states of matter are solid, liquid, and gaseous. All of the materials we come into contact with on a daily basis (from ice cream to chairs to water) are composed of matter. On the basis of intermolecular forces and particle arrangement, matter can be classified into three states: solid, liquid, and gas. These three types of matter can be converted from one state to another by modifying certain environmental factors (increasing or decreasing pressure and temperature, for instance). By increasing the temperature, for example, ice can be transformed from a solid into liquid water.
In this article, you will study matter, states of matter – solid, liquid, and gas as well as their examples.
Table of Content
- What is Matter?
- Three States of Matter
- Solids
- Liquids
- Gases
- Sample Questions on What is Matter
- FAQs on What is Matter