whats the physical form in which a substance exists?
The physical form in which a substance exists is referred to as its "state" or "phase." There are three common states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. The state of a substance depends on the strength of the forces between its particles.
To determine the physical form of a substance, you can consider the temperature and pressure at which it exists. Here's a breakdown of the states of matter and the conditions at which they typically occur:
1. Solid: In a solid state, particles are tightly packed and have little freedom of movement. Solids have definite shapes and volumes. They maintain their shape unless subjected to external forces. For example, ice and a rock are common examples of solid substances.
2. Liquid: In a liquid state, particles are still close together, but they have more freedom of movement compared to solids. Liquids do not have a definite shape and take the shape of their container. They have a definite volume. Water, oil, and milk are examples of liquid substances.
3. Gas: In a gaseous state, particles have significant distances between them and move freely. Gases have no definite shape or volume and readily fill the container they occupy. Examples of gases include oxygen, nitrogen, and helium.
It's important to note that substances can also undergo changes in state based on changes in temperature and pressure. For instance, as water is heated, it goes from a solid (ice) to a liquid (water), and then to a gas (water vapor). This transformation between different states is known as phase transition.
In addition to the three common states mentioned above, there are also other states of matter such as plasma and Bose-Einstein condensates, which occur at extremely high or low temperatures.
Remember that the specific physical form of a substance depends on its temperature, pressure, and the intermolecular forces between its particles.