Curriculum
Science — Second Preparatory
Unit 1: Matter and Energy
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Unit 2: Matter and Chemical Reactions
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Unit 3: Energy Flow in Photosynthesis and Respiration
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Unit 4: Geological Processes
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Text lesson
States of Matter
States of Matter
Comparing the three states
Comparing the three states
| Property | Solid | Liquid | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Particle arrangement | Very close together, usually regular | Close together, irregular | Very far apart, random |
| Particle movement | Vibrate about fixed positions | Slide over one another | Fast movement in all directions |
| Attractive forces | Very large | Medium | Very weak |
| Shape | Fixed | Takes the shape of its container | Fills its container |
| Volume | Fixed | Fixed | Changes with the container |
| Compressibility | Almost not compressible | Almost not compressible | Easily compressed |
- From the table we see that when the spaces between particles increase and the attractive forces become weaker, the particles become freer to move, and the substance loses its ability to keep its shape.
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