States of Matter

STATES OF MATTER

Gases:  Gases are readily compressible by a factor up to one thousand, showing that there must be large spaces between the molecules. The molecules in a gas are able to translate (move freely), rotate and vibrate. The temperature of a gas is a measure of the average kinetic energy of its molecules.

Liquids:  Liquids are not easily compressible. Liquids are much more dense than the corresponding gases from which they are condensed. In a liquid the molecules are in contact with each other, yet able to move around as the molecules vibrate and disturb each other.

Solids:  Solids are not at all easily compressible. In a solid the particles vibrate ever more vigorously as the temperature is raised.