Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Solving Problems: A Chemistry Handbook
Chemistry: Matter and Change
123
SOLVING PROBLEMS:
A CHEMISTRY HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 12
12.3 Liquids and Solids
The kinetic-molecular theory also explains the behavior of liquids
and solids. However, the forces of attraction between particles in liquids and solids must be considered as well as their energy of motion.
Liquids Liquids conform to the shape of their container but have
a fixed volume. The particles in a liquid maintain a fixed volume
because the forces of attraction between them limit their range of
motion.
• Density and compression The density of a liquid is much greater
than that of its vapor at the same conditions. The higher density is
due to intermolecular forces, which hold the particles together.
Although liquids can be compressed, their compression requires
an enormous amount of pressure and results in a relatively small
change in volume.
• Fluidity Fluidity is the ability to flow. Liquids are less fluid than
gases.
• Viscosity A measure of the resistance of a liquid to flow is called
viscosity. The stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher is the
viscosity. Viscosity also increases with the mass of a liquid’s particles and the length of molecule chains. Viscosity decreases with
temperature because the average kinetic energy of the particles
increases. The added energy makes it easier for the particles to
overcome the intermolecular forces that keep the particles from
flowing.
• Surface tension The energy required to increase the surface area
of a liquid by a given amount is called surface tension. Surface
tension is a measure of the inward pull by particles in the interior
of the liquid. The stronger the attractions between particles, the
greater is the surface tension. Multiple hydrogen bonds give water
a high surface tension.
• Capillary action The movement of a liquid up a narrow glass
tube is called capillary action, or capillarity. Capillary action
occurs when adhesive forces are greater than cohesive forces.
Adhesion is the force of attraction between molecules that are
different, such as water molecules and the molecules of silicon
▲
Solving Problems: A Chemistry Handbook
Chemistry: Matter and Change
123
SOLVING PROBLEMS:
A CHEMISTRY HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 12
12.3 Liquids and Solids
The kinetic-molecular theory also explains the behavior of liquids
and solids. However, the forces of attraction between particles in liquids and solids must be considered as well as their energy of motion.
Liquids Liquids conform to the shape of their container but have
a fixed volume. The particles in a liquid maintain a fixed volume
because the forces of attraction between them limit their range of
motion.
• Density and compression The density of a liquid is much greater
than that of its vapor at the same conditions. The higher density is
due to intermolecular forces, which hold the particles together.
Although liquids can be compressed, their compression requires
an enormous amount of pressure and results in a relatively small
change in volume.
• Fluidity Fluidity is the ability to flow. Liquids are less fluid than
gases.
• Viscosity A measure of the resistance of a liquid to flow is called
viscosity. The stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher is the
viscosity. Viscosity also increases with the mass of a liquid’s particles and the length of molecule chains. Viscosity decreases with
temperature because the average kinetic energy of the particles
increases. The added energy makes it easier for the particles to
overcome the intermolecular forces that keep the particles from
flowing.
• Surface tension The energy required to increase the surface area
of a liquid by a given amount is called surface tension. Surface
tension is a measure of the inward pull by particles in the interior
of the liquid. The stronger the attractions between particles, the
greater is the surface tension. Multiple hydrogen bonds give water
a high surface tension.
• Capillary action The movement of a liquid up a narrow glass
tube is called capillary action, or capillarity. Capillary action
occurs when adhesive forces are greater than cohesive forces.
Adhesion is the force of attraction between molecules that are
different, such as water molecules and the molecules of silicon
▲