Why isn't all matter alike?

Answer 1

Matter is made up of molecules. and there are forces acting between molecules. those forces are called intermolecular forces.

Moreover, those molecules are always in motion, so they have kinetic energy because of their motion. the more the motion the more is kinetic energy.

Intermolecular forces and kinetic energy are the two main things that determine the states or forms of matter.

1. solid:

In solid state molecules or particles are tightly packed with one another and they have only back and forth motion (vibrational motion) about their fixed positions. Therefore, particles in solid cannot slip or slide over one another and thus they possess definite shape and definite volume. Their intermolecular force is high and kinetic energy is low.

2. Liquid:

In liquid state molecules are not tightly packed with one another they can move in all directions easily, so liquids don't have definite shape. But in liquid state the intermolecular force is higher than gases so they have definite volume. Molecules of liquid move randomly in all directions. They are fixed. so they definite shape can't be obtained. They take the shape of vessel they are in.

3. Gas:

In this state molecules are lying away from one another. They have very high kinetic energy and very low intermolecular forces. Because of this gases don't have definite shape or volume. They take the shape and volume of the vessel they are in.

Answer 2

if water was solid or gas we couldn't drink it if there were no gasses it could not rain if there was no solid we wouldn't be here

Answer 3

Identical in what way? Matter, by definition, has mass.

Answer 4

because some have more neutrons than others.

Answer 5

No. Everything that has mass and volume is matter. For example, you, your clothing, and the water you use are all matter.

Answer 6

No, substances are very different.

Answer 7

No, it is not.