Chapter 13, Problem 41A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: It is to be explained why liquids and gases differ in density and solubilities.

Concept introduction:

The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. It is feasible to understand why they have different qualities by looking at the way their particles are arranged.

Answer to Problem 41A

In gases, there are more intermolecular spaces than are present in the liquid.

Explanation of Solution

A liquid is a nearly incompressible fluid that adapts to the shape of its container and maintains an (almost) constant volume under all conditions of pressure. The volume is fixed if the temperature and pressure are both constant.

The condition of matter known as gas is characterized by its widely spaced, rapidly moving, and randomly arranged particle structure.

In contrast to the particles in a liquid, the particles in a gas are spaced out widely. Gas is less dense and simpler to compress because of the more space between its particles.