Liquid
Definition and meaning of Liquid in chemistry.
A liquid is a nearly incompressible fluid that conforms to the shape of its container but retains a nearly constant volume independent of pressure. It is one of the four fundamental states of matter, positioned directly between solid and gas in terms of molecular kinetic energy.
In more detail
In a liquid state, intermolecular forces are strong enough to keep particles close together, but not strong enough to lock them into a rigid crystalline lattice like in a solid. This structural freedom allows the molecules to translate freely past one another, giving liquids their characteristic ability to flow smoothly. Liquids exhibit unique physical properties such as surface tension, capillary action, and varying degrees of viscosity. When heated to its boiling point, a liquid will undergo a phase change to become a gas, while cooling it to its freezing point will cause it to solidify.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Volume | Definite |
| Shape | Indefinite (takes shape of container) |
Water at room temperature is the most common and essential example of a liquid on Earth, conforming to the shape of whatever glass it is poured into.
Frequently asked questions
Are liquids completely incompressible?
While generally treated as incompressible in basic physics and chemistry, liquids do have a very slight compressibility under extreme high pressure.