FORM 4 CHEMISTRY 02 Structure of Atom

2.2 Three States of Matter

Matter exists in 3 states of matter, namely, solid state, liquid state and gaseous state.
Characteristics of Matter in Solid, Liquid and Gaseous State
Arrangement of Particles

Solid

Particles are arranged in an orderly manner and close to one another.

Liquid

Particles are not arranged in order. The space between particles is

moderately large

Gas
 FORM 4 CHEMISTRY 02 Structure of Atom

The particles are very far apart and randomly arranged.

Movement of Particles

Solid Particles vibrate at fixed positions.

Particles move randomly and slowly

Liquid and sometimes will collide against each
other.

The particles move randomly in all

Gas
directions at great speed.

The force of Attraction Between Particles

Solid very strong

Strong but weaker than in the solid

Liquid
state.

Gas very weak

Ability to be compressed
Very difficult to be compressed
Solid because the particles are packed
closely.

Not easily compressed because the

Liquid
particles are packed quite closely.

Easily compressed because the

Gas
particles are very far apart.

Heat Energy content

 FORM 4 CHEMISTRY 02 Structure of Atom

Solid Lowest Energy Content

Liquid Moderate energy content.

Highest
Gas
energy content

Volume and Shape

Volume Shape

Solid Fixed Fixed

Follows the
Liquid Fixed
container

Follows the Fills the whole

Gas
container container