May Ann P.

Bautista

ASSIGNMENT FOR MODULE 2 LESSON 1

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Questions:
How does the arrangement of the molecules differ in each state of matter?

Answer:
In physics, a state of matter is one of the distinct forms in which matter can exist. Four
states of matter are observable in everyday life: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
In the case of the solid, the constituent particles are atoms, ions, and molecules that are
held together by the strong intermolecular forces of attraction. Hence, the particles of the solid
substance are closely packed in a defined manner. This gives the shape of the particles to the solid
substances.
In the case of the liquid, the constituent particles are atoms, ions, and molecules held
together by the intermolecular forces of the attraction which are weak compared to existing solid
particles. Hence, the particles of the liquid substance are not closely packed. Therefore, the liquid
does not possess a definite shape and volume. They occupy the shape of the container in which it
is placed.
In the case of gases, the constituent particles that are atoms, ions, and molecules are held
together by the weak intermolecular forces of attraction which are weaker compared to existing
liquid particles. Hence, the particles of the gaseous substance are not closely packed. Therefore,
gases do not possess a definite shape and volume.
Plasma a gas is usually converted to a plasma in one of two ways, either from a huge
voltage difference between two points, or by exposing it to extremely high temperatures. Heating
matter to high temperatures causes electrons to leave the atoms, resulting in the presence of free
electrons.