Liquids
Science: KS3, topic 3.5.12
Liquids
Liquids are one of the main three states of matter. Liquids are useful because their properties mean they can be poured.
Particle arrangement
- Liquid particles are close together.
- The particles are touching.
- The particles are arranged randomly, not in a regular pattern like solids.
Cannot be compressed
- Like solids, liquids cannot be compressed.
- So liquids are used in hydraulic systems.
Movement
- The particles in liquids vibrate.
- The particles can also move around each other.
- The particles are able to take the shape of their container.
Density
- Liquids are less dense than solids because there is more space between the particles.
- Liquids are more dense than gases.
Freezing and floating
- Unusually for a liquid, water becomes less dense when it freezes.
- Being less dense when frozen is why large icebergs float on water and don't sink.
Test yourself on Liquids
Which of these is a property of liquids?
Why are liquids used in hydraulic systems?
Select the true statement in each pair
Why do icebergs float on water instead of sinking?