Characteristics of States (Comparative) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Welcome to the Characteristics of States (Comparative) quiz for Class IX Science (Code 086). This quiz covers Unit I: Matter – Its Nature and Behaviour, focusing on the fundamental differences between solids, liquids, and gases regarding shape, volume, density, compressibility, and fluidity. Test your knowledge and download the PDF answer key for your exam preparation.
Overview: States of Matter
Matter exists in three primary states: Solid, Liquid, and Gas. These states arise due to variations in the characteristics of the particles of matter, specifically the intermolecular spaces, forces of attraction, and kinetic energy of the particles. Understanding the comparative properties of these states is crucial for Class 9 Science.
Key Comparative Properties
1. Shape and Volume
- Solids: Have a fixed shape and a fixed volume. They maintain their boundaries.
- Liquids: Have a fixed volume but no fixed shape. They take the shape of the container.
- Gases: Have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. They completely fill the vessel in which they are kept.
2. Compressibility
- Solids: Negligible compressibility.
- Liquids: Slightly compressible.
- Gases: Highly compressible. Large volumes of gas can be compressed into small cylinders (e.g., LPG, Oxygen cylinders).
3. Density and Fluidity
- Density: generally Solids > Liquids > Gases. Solids are heavy; gases are light.
- Fluidity: Liquids and gases can flow and are called fluids. Solids are rigid and do not flow.
- Rigidity: Solids are rigid because their particles are held in fixed positions by strong forces.
Comparison Table
| Property | Solid | Liquid | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermolecular Force | Maximum (Strongest) | Intermediate | Minimum (Weakest) |
| Intermolecular Space | Minimum | Intermediate | Maximum |
| Kinetic Energy | Minimum | Higher than solids | Maximum |
| Diffusion | Negligible | Slow | Very Fast |
Extra Practice Questions
- Q1: Why do solids have a fixed shape? (Ans: Strong intermolecular forces lock particles in place.)
- Q2: Which state of matter diffuses the fastest? (Ans: Gas, due to high kinetic energy and large spaces.)
- Q3: Why is ice (solid) lighter than water (liquid)? (Ans: Ice has a cage-like structure with vacant spaces, lowering its density.)
- Q4: What happens to the kinetic energy of particles when temperature rises? (Ans: It increases.)
- Q5: Why are gases highly compressible? (Ans: Because of the large intermolecular spaces between particles.)
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