What is the Difference Between Liquid State and Gaseous State?

The main difference between the liquid state and the gaseous state lies in the arrangement of particles, their density, and their behavior in response to external conditions. Here are the key differences between the two states:

1. Arrangement of particles: In a liquid state, particles are close together with no regular arrangement, while in a gaseous state, particles are well separated with no regular arrangement.
2. Density: Liquids have a moderate density, whereas gases have a much lower density due to the large intermolecular space between particles.
3. Compressibility: Liquids are nearly incompressible because of the small intermolecular space between particles, while gases can be easily compressed due to the large intermolecular space between particles.
4. Shape and volume: A liquid has a definite volume but no fixed shape, taking the shape of the container it is in. In contrast, a gas does not have a fixed shape or volume and takes the shape and volume of its container.
5. Molecular motion: In a liquid state, molecules move past one another, allowing the substance to flow. In a gaseous state, molecules move freely, and the substance flows easily.
6. Fluidity: Liquids flow easily from high to low levels, while gases flow easily in all directions.

In summary, the liquid state is characterized by closer particle arrangements, higher density, and less compressibility, while the gaseous state is characterized by more spaced-out particle arrangements, lower density, and greater compressibility.

Comparative Table: Liquid State vs Gaseous State

Here is a table summarizing the differences between the liquid state and the gaseous state:

Liquids have a definite volume and take the shape of the container they are in, while gases do not have a definite shape or volume and take the shape and fill the volume of their container. Liquids have moderate intermolecular forces, which are stronger than those in gases. This makes liquids less compressible than gases, as they have more intermolecular force acting between the molecules. Liquids can flow from higher to lower areas, whereas gases can easily flow and fill the space available. The diffusion rate in liquids is moderate compared to the high rate of diffusion in gases.