Grade 7 → Matter and its properties → States of matter ↓
Fluid state
In our daily lives, we see matter in three primary states: solid, liquid, and gas. Each of these states has unique characteristics that distinguish one from the other. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the liquid state, a fascinating phase of matter found in abundance all around us.
What is fluid?
Liquid is one of the states of matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape. This means that the liquid takes the shape of the container it is in but its volume remains the same. Common examples of liquids include water, milk, and oil.
Text examples of liquids:
- Water: Found in oceans, rivers and rain.
- Milk: A daily use item in many households.
- Oil: Used in cooking and industry.
Properties of liquids
Let's take a deeper look at the distinctive features of liquids:
1. Fixed quantity
Liquids have a fixed volume. No matter where you pour the liquid or how much you pour, the volume will remain the same. For example, if you pour 500 milliliters of water into different shaped vessels, it will always measure 500 milliliters.
2. Indefinite shape
Unlike solids, liquids have no fixed shape. Instead, they flow and mold to the shape of their container. Pour water from a bottle into a glass, and you'll see it take the shape of the glass.
3. Liquidity
Liquids can flow. This property is known as fluidity. Because of this, they can easily move from one container to another. Fluidity is what allows water to flow out of a tap or river and continue on its way.
4. Surface tension
Liquids have a unique property called surface tension. It is the tendency of liquid surfaces to shrink to a minimum surface area. This is why small insects can walk on water and raindrops form round beads on surfaces.
5. Stickiness
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. Thick fluids, such as honey, have high viscosity, while thin fluids, such as water, have low viscosity. Viscosity affects how fast or slow a fluid flows.
Molecular structure of liquids
The molecules in liquids are more tightly packed than those in gases, but do not have a rigid structure like solids. Intermolecular forces in liquids are strong enough to keep the molecules close together, yet weak enough to allow them to move freely around each other.
Intermolecular forces
These are the forces that hold molecules together. They play a key role in determining the boiling and melting points of liquids. For example, water has strong hydrogen bonds, which account for its relatively high boiling point compared to other liquids.
H2O (solid) ⟶ H2O (liquid) ⟶ H2O (gas)
How does a liquid change its state
Liquids can change their state through various processes such as freezing, boiling, evaporation, and condensation:
1. Cold
Ice freezes when a liquid turns into a solid. For example, water turns into ice when the temperature drops below 0°C (32°F).
2. Boiling
Boiling occurs when a liquid turns into a gas at a certain temperature, called the boiling point. For water, this occurs at 100°C (212°F) at sea level.
3. Evaporation
Evaporation is a slow process in which a liquid turns into a gas at a temperature below its boiling point. This is how puddles of water dry up on a sunny day.
4. Condensation
Condensation is the process by which a gas turns into a liquid. This happens with water vapor present in the air that forms dew on cold surfaces at night.
Real-life applications of fluids
Fluids play an important role in many everyday applications:
In transport
Fluids such as gasoline and diesel are essential for vehicles to run. Brake fluid and engine oil are also essential for machines to function properly.
In household activities
Liquids such as water and cleaning agents are used daily for cooking, cleaning and bathing. Various liquid soaps and detergents help maintain hygiene.
In food and beverage
Many beverages are liquids, such as juices, tea, and coffee. The preparation of many foods also involves the use of liquids, such as water, oil, and broth.
Conclusion
Understanding the liquid state of matter provides insight into a fundamental aspect of our world and its practical applications in everyday life. Liquids bridge the gap between the rigidity of solids and the extensibility of gases, creating a unique balance that supports life and influences countless processes.