2.1.4

Shape of Substances

Test yourself

Shape of Substances

Because of their different particle arrangements, solids, liquids and gases have different properties. Solids always keep their shape, whereas liquids and gases can change shape.

Illustrative background for SolidsIllustrative background for Solids ?? "content

Solids

  • Solids have a fixed shape.
  • If you put them in another container, they will not change shape.
Illustrative background for LiquidsIllustrative background for Liquids ?? "content

Liquids

  • Liquids can flow and change shape.
  • You can pour a liquid from a container of one shape into a container of another shape.
  • This is possible because the particles in a liquid can move around each other, letting the liquid become different shapes.
Illustrative background for GasesIllustrative background for Gases ?? "content

Gases

  • Gases can change shape.
  • Gases can change their shape to fit any container.
    • They even expand to fill a larger container.
  • This is because there are large gaps between particles. So if a force is applied, the gas can be squashed or put into any new shape.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Disciplinary Knowledge

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson