EXPLAINING THE PROPERTIES OF MATTER

SOLIDS

 The particular in a solid are arranged in a regular manner due to strong forces of attraction
between the particles.

 They have fixed volume because they are close together. This makes it difficult for the volume of
a solid to be made smaller.

 They have fixed shape because the particles are held by strong forces of attraction. These forces
stop the particles from moving around.

 They cannot flow due to strong forces of attraction between the particles. The strong forces
stop the particles from moving around.

 They cannot be easily compressed because the particles touch each other and cannot move
closer to each other.

 The particles do not move but they vibrate on the spot. This is because the particles are held by
strong forces of attraction.

LIQUIDS
 The particles are arranged irregularly or randomly due to weak forces of attraction between
them.

 They have fixed volume because the particles touch each other. The forces of attraction are
strong enough to hold the particles together

 They have no fixed shape because the particles can move past each other

 They cannot be easily compressed because the particles touch each other and cannot move
closer to each other

 The particles move past each other due to weak forces of attraction between them

GASES
 The particles are arranged randomly because there are very weak forces of attraction between
them

 Gases have no fixed volume and no fixed shape due to very weak forces of attraction between
them and can move easily

 Gases can flow due to very weak forces of attraction holding the particles

 Gases can be easily compressed or squashed because the particles can move closer together
and take up less space

 Gases move randomly or more freely and at high speeds. This is because there are very weak
forces of attraction between the particles.