Question 1.2 - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Describe solids, liquids, and gases in terms of how they fill a container. Use your descriptions to identify the physical state (at room temperature) of the following: (a) helium in a toy balloon; (b) mercury in a thermometer; (c) soup in a bowl

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

Solids cannot conform to the shape of the container. The shape of the container can be conformed by liquids to a certain volume. A gas conforms to the shape of the container.

1. Helium in a toy balloon is gas.
2. Mercury in a thermometer is liquid.
3. Soup in the bowl is liquid.

Definition of different states and also in terms of container filling

The state in which the molecules are arranged in a pattern of 3D and are very close to each other is called the solid state. Here there is only a small amount of intermolecular space. Solids cannot conform to the shape of the container. 

There is no particular order in the arrangement of molecules, but a liquid state is very close to each other. They can also move as random. Liquids can conform to the shape of the container to a certain volume.

There molecules are situated apart in the gaseous state. Thus, it contains more intermolecular space. It can move at random. A gas conforms to the shape of the container.

Identify the physical state

1. Helium in a toy balloon is gas. There is a vacant space available to occupy the entire volume of the balloon.
2. The molecule in the thermometer is a liquid due to the shape conformation in the capillary tube and only to a specific volume. There is a crack in the thermometer when there is a big volume.
3. Soup in the bowl is liquid because the liquid conforms to the bowl shape only upto a specific volume. The bowl will spill if we add more soup.