The Liquid State
 When considering the three states of matter, the middle state is known as the Liquid State. It has some of the characteristics of the solid state and some of the characteristics of the gas state.
  •  Like the solid state, the liquid state tends to have very little ability to be compressed.
  • Like the solid state, the liquid state is associated with somewhat low kinetic energy.
  •  Like the gas state, the liquid state tends to flow, or have fluidity.
  • Like the gas state, the liquid state tends to take on the shape of the container that it is in.

 As the middle state, liquids are associated with the common phase changes

      • Freezing
      • Boiling

In addition, other concepts such as

            • Viscosity
            • Evaporation
            • Surface Tension

are also associated with the liquid state.

 So, what does the molecular structure of a liquid look like?

For many people that question is best answered by saying that it is the collapsed crystal structure of the solid state. The small blocks of collapsed solid are free to move around, passing over one another. This explains the concept of fluidity.

For other people, the concept of the liquid state is best explained with the

Flickering Cluster Theory.

That is the approach that will be taken here. However, remember, regardless of the name, most descriptions of the liquid state are basically the same. They will only differ in some of the details.

 Questions and comments should be sent to :
   kdrews@bcpl.net  

Updated May 1, 2002