All the things we see around us are constituted of living or non-living. However, no matter whether it is biotic or abiotic, everything that surrounds us is made up of matter. Anything which has some mass and it occupies space is defined as matter. There exist three types or forms of matter.
They are gases, liquids, and solids. In this article, we will detail the difference between the two fluid forms of matter, gases and liquid. However, the basic difference lies in their difference in shape, the volume they possess, how hard they are, and examining their capacity to flow.
Key Takeaways
- Gas is a state of matter where the molecules are widely spaced and free to move, while liquid is where the molecules are close together and have limited freedom to move.
- Gas can be compressed easily and occupies more space, while liquids are relatively incompressible and take up less space.
- Gases have no definite shape or volume, while liquids have a substantial book but no definite shape.
Gas vs Liquid
Gas is a state of matter characterized by molecules that are widely spaced, move freely, and have no fixed shape or volume, there is a weak attractive force between the molecules. The liquid is a state of matter characterized by molecules that are close together, move more slowly, and have a definite volume but no fixed shape.
The characteristic of gas is characterized by its ability to lack a definite shape or even size. And it takes the shape of the container in which it is placed in. Among all the states of matter, the energy of the gas is the highest.
The molecular arrangement in gas is sparsely arranged, however, random in characteristic. There is a minimum force of attraction between the molecules of a gas.
Liquid has a definite value of volume. However, it has no definite shape. Liquid possesses a medium amount of energy. The molecules in a liquid are less sparsely arranged. There is a medium attraction between the molecules of a liquid.
The molecules of liquid move according to the Brownian motion. A container is needed to store liquids. It has a definite volume but lacks a fixed shape.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Gas | Liquid |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Gas has no definite shape or size. However, it confines the shape of the container it is placed in. | Liquid has a definite value of volume, but it has no definite shape. |
| Energy Possessed | Highest | Medium |
| Molecular arrangement | More sparsely arranged. | Less sparsely arranged. |
| Attraction Between the Molecules | Minimum | Medium |
| Movement Of Molecules | Free, stagnant and random. | Brownian motion. |
| Storage | Gases need to store in a closed container. | A container is needed for storage purposes. |
| Compression | Easily compressed | Needs efforts for compressing |
| Direction of flow | Flow in almost all directions. | Flow from high level to low level. |
| Intermolecular space | Large | More |
| Speed of sound | Lowest among all the three states of matter. | Faster than gas but slower than solid. |
| Shape, Size, Volume | No fixed volume or shape. | Definite volume lacking a fixed shape. |
What is Gas?
Gases do not possess a definite volume which is because of the kind of molecular structure they have. Gases flow more randomly, easily, and fast in all directions. However, generally, gases move more from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.
For example, the smell of perfume and incense sticks can also be detected from a distance. Gases are not hard. Examples of gases are CNG, LPG, Carbon diode, Oxygen, and water vapor.
The molecules of gases move freely, constantly, and randomly. Gases need to be stored in a container that is closed. It has no fixed volume or fixed shape and can be easily compressed.
In almost all directions, gas flows. The intermolecular space in the gas is large. The speed of sound of gas is the lowest in comparison to solids and liquids.
What is Liquid?
Liquids need an ample amount of force to get compressed. Liquids tend to flow from high level to low level. Thus they are categorized as ” fluids.” The intermolecular space in the liquid is more than in gas.
The speed of the sound of liquid is faster than gas but slower than solid. Liquids are not hard until they are frozen.
As the intermolecular force of attraction in liquids is medium, thus the molecules move easily and more freely within the liquid in comparison to the solid. This simultaneously results in giving the liquid a fixed volume and a definite shape.
Water, the most basic example of a liquid, becomes hard as ice when kept in a refrigerator and frozen below 0 degrees Celsius. Juices and oil are some other examples of liquids.
Main Differences Between Gas and Liquid
- Gas has no definite shape or size. However, it confines the shape of the container it is placed in. On the other hand, liquid has a definite value of volume but no definite shape.
- The energy of the gas is the highest. However, the energy of the liquid is medium.
- The molecular arrangement in the case of gas is sparsely arranged but random in characteristic. However, in the case of liquid, the molecules are less sparsely arranged.
- The attraction in between the molecules of a gas is minimum, and the same attraction is medium in the case of liquids.
- The molecules of gases move in a free, stagnant and random manner. However, the molecules of liquid move in the Brownian motion.
- Gases need to store in a closed container. However, in the case of liquid, a container is needed for storage purposes.
- Gas has no fixed volume or shape. On the other hand, liquid has a definite volume lacking a fixed shape.
- Gas can be easily compressed. However, liquids need force to get compressed.
- Gases flow in almost all directions. However, liquids flow from high level to low level.
- The intermolecular space in the case of gas is large, whereas in the case of liquid is more.
- The speed of sound of gas is the lowest among all the three states of matter that exist. However, in the case of liquid, it is faster than gas but slower than solid.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jp027123l
- https://journals.aps.org/rmp/abstract/10.1103/RevModPhys.48.587
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
This article presents an insightful comparison of gases and liquids, shedding light on their distinctive properties and behaviors. The detailed analysis of energy possessed and the direction of flow contributes to a comprehensive understanding of these states of matter.
I appreciate the scientific rigor with which this article approaches the examination of gases and liquids. The comprehensive treatment of their characteristics enhances the educational value of this piece.
The article’s emphasis on the compressibility and storage requirements of gases and liquids enriches the reader’s understanding of these states of matter. The scientific precision of the comparisons is praiseworthy.
The article offers a comprehensive exploration of the differences between gases and liquids, providing a detailed comparison of their unique properties. The elucidation of their intermolecular space and movement of molecules is particularly enlightening.
The article effectively captures the essential differences between gases and liquids in a clear and informative manner. The detailed analysis of molecular arrangements and direction of flow enhances the scientific depth of the piece.
I found the discussion of the speed of sound and energy possessed to be particularly insightful. The comprehensive comparison of gases and liquids enriches the reader’s understanding of these states of matter.
The article provides a thorough examination of gases and liquids, elucidating their defining characteristics in a clear and informative manner. The detailed comparison table effectively summarizes the contrasting properties of these states of matter.
The examination of the molecular arrangement and compression properties of gases and liquids is presented with scientific rigor and clarity. The article effectively elucidates the unique behaviors of these states of matter.
I agree, the article offers a comprehensive analysis of the key differences between gases and liquids. The scientific precision of the explanations contributes to a nuanced understanding of these fundamental states of matter.
The distinction between gases and liquids is well outlined in this article. The molecular arrangements and characteristics of both states of matter are clearly explained. I appreciate the comparison table that summarizes the information effectively.
Agreed, the article provides a comprehensive insight into the properties of gases and liquids. The information is well-organized and easy to comprehend.
I found the section on intermolecular forces and the movement of molecules to be particularly enlightening. The article effectively communicates the scientific principles underlying the behavior of gases and liquids.
The detailed examination of gases and liquids in this article provides valuable insights into their characteristics. The explanation of intermolecular space and compression properties is particularly enlightening.
The comparison table is a useful tool for understanding the distinctions between gases and liquids. The analysis of their respective properties is presented in a manner that facilitates comprehension.
I agree, the article effectively conveys the fundamental differences between gases and liquids. The emphasis on molecular arrangement and storage requirements enhances the article’s educational value.
The detailed analysis of the characteristics of gases and liquids in this article provides a comprehensive overview of these states of matter. The comparison table presents a succinct summary of their distinctions, facilitating understanding.
I appreciate the coherent manner in which this article delves into the properties of gases and liquids. The scientific depth of the explanation enhances the reader’s grasp of these complex concepts.
The article’s exploration of the molecular arrangements and compression properties of gases and liquids is both comprehensive and illuminating. It effectively captures the essence of these scientific principles.
This article offers a thorough examination of the characteristics of gases and liquids. The detailed descriptions of energy, molecular arrangement, and attraction between molecules provide a comprehensive understanding of these states of matter.
I appreciate the in-depth analysis of gases and liquids presented in this article. The comparative analysis effectively highlights the differences in their properties.
The article’s elucidation of the movement of molecules in gases and liquids contributes to a better grasp of their distinct behaviors. The scientific clarity of this piece is commendable.
This article provides a comprehensive comparison of gases and liquids, elucidating their unique properties and behaviors in a clear and informative manner. The discussion on the speed of sound enhances the scientific depth of the article.
The examination of the direction of flow and intermolecular space in gases and liquids is particularly illuminating. The article effectively communicates the scientific nuances of these states of matter.
I found the section on the speed of sound particularly intriguing. The article’s exploration of the contrasting characteristics of gases and liquids contributes to a better understanding of these states of matter.
This article provides an excellent overview of the differences between gases and liquids. It is clear that gases have no definite shape or volume, while liquids have a substantial volume but no definite shape. The comparison table is especially helpful in understanding this contrast.
I agree, the article presents this scientific topic in a clear and concise manner. The key takeaways and detailed explanations are very informative.
The article offers a lucid comparison between gases and liquids, delving into their respective properties with scientific precision. The differentiating factors between these states of matter are clearly elucidated, facilitating comprehension.
I agree, the article effectively communicates the unique characteristics of gases and liquids. The detailed examination of intermolecular space and direction of flow enhances the educational value of this piece.
The clarity and scientific depth of the article’s explanation regarding gases and liquids are commendable. The informative content provides valuable insights into these fundamental states of matter.