What is the difference between a solid and a liquid? To begin with, solids have a fixed shape and resist forces that are applied perpendicularly or parallel to their surface. To understand the difference between a solid and a liquid, consider these examples. You can build structures from individual LEGO blocks, but there’s an important difference between them. To understand what is a solid, you first need to understand how it is formed.
Atoms are like individual LEGO blocks
Just like your Legos, atoms are composed of tiny particles called atoms. These particles have different shapes, sizes, and charges. In the periodic table, atoms are organized by their elements. Learn about the different kinds of atoms and how they fit together to form matter. Atoms can be found in all shapes and sizes and are used to build everything from viruses to Venus. Listed below are some types of atoms and their properties.
Molecules are like individual structures you build
In science, molecules are groups of atoms held together by chemical bonds. Molecules can contain ions, but they usually do not. The basic parts of an atom are protons, electrons, and neutrons. They have identical chemical properties, but different shapes. Those differences can lead to confusion. It is important to understand the difference between atoms and molecules. By doing so, you can better understand how molecules form.
Solids have a fixed shape
Solids are composed of tightly packed particles that cannot move around, but can still have a definite shape and volume. Because solid particles are packed close together, they cannot move around or become closer to one another. They only change shape or volume by stretching, squeezing, or breaking apart. Osmium is the densest solid in nature, and a lump the size of a tennis ball would weigh 6.5 pounds.
They resist forces applied perpendicular or parallel to a surface
A solid is a material that resists forces applied in directions other than perpendicular to its surface. Solids exhibit properties that make them unique from fluids and gases. For example, solids resist forces applied perpendicular to their surface, while fluids will take on the shape of their container. This is because solids have a much higher tensile strength than fluids do.
They are hard to compress
It is not easy to compress solids, as the spaces between the molecules are very small. Solids, on the other hand, are more difficult to compress than gases. The reason is that solids are composed of much smaller particles than gases. The smaller the gaps, the less space they have between them. Because of this, solids are more difficult to compress than gases. So, why are solids so hard to compress? Read on to discover why solids are more difficult to compress than gases.