Physical Nature & States of Matter
Matter is anything that possesses mass and occupies space. It consists of particulate matter in continuous kinetic motion.
| Property | Solid | Liquid | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape & Volume | Definite shape and fixed volume | Indefinite shape, fixed volume | Indefinite shape and indefinite volume |
| Intermolecular Space | Minimum | Intermediate | Maximum |
| Intermolecular Force | Maximum | Intermediate | Negligible |
| Compressibility | Negligible | Very low | Very high ($CNG, LPG$) |
Latent Heat & Evaporation
- Latent Heat of Fusion: Amount of heat energy required to change $1\text{ kg}$ of a solid into liquid at atmospheric pressure at its melting point.
- Latent Heat of Vaporisation: Heat energy needed to change $1\text{ kg}$ of liquid into vapor at its boiling point.
- Evaporation: Surface phenomenon where liquid changes into vapor below its boiling point, causing cooling (sweating, cotton clothes in summer).
