What is the key difference between a liquid and a gas?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When comparing a liquid and a gas, several candidate distinctions can be considered, so it helps to assess each option carefully.
Option 1: intermolecular attractions. This is the defining difference: liquids exhibit stronger intermolecular forces that keep particles closer together and allow a definite volume, while gases have very weak or negligible attractions, allowing particles to spread out and fill the space. This contrast in attractions explains why liquids can be poured and have a definite volume, whereas gases expand to fill their container.
Option 2: the ability to flow. While both liquids and gases can flow, this property is not unique to liquids; gases also flow and diffuse rapidly. Therefore, flowability alone is not the key distinguishing feature between the two states.
Option 3: average kinetic energy. At a given temperature, gases generally have higher average kinetic energy per particle than liquids, but this is a consequence of weaker attractions rather than the fundamental difference itself. Since liquids and gases can both possess substantial kinetic energy, this criterion does not serve as the primary distinguishing feature.
Option 4: the motion of their particles. Both liquids and gases involve particle motion, though the nature of movement (more freedom in gases) differs. This statement does not capture the core distinction between the two states because particle motion is not the defining criterion that separates them.
In summary, the key structural difference that most clearly separates liquids from gases is the strength of intermolecular attractions, which aligns with option 1. The other options describe properties that can be true for both states or are consequences rather than defining differences.

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What is the key difference between a liquid and a gas?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

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