29 Facts About Liquid: Read This Before Your Next Science Class
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Liquid is one of the four states of matter in its fundamental form.
The other three are solids, plasma, and gases. Liquid is the only state of matter that has no fixed shape but only a fixed volume.
Like all things in the universe, liquids have their own nature too. There are various different types of liquids. Not only do we see and use them in our daily lives, but they are also present in our bodies. Want to know more about this state of matter? Then keep reading!
Characteristic Of Liquid
There are certain things that distinguish liquids from other solids and gases. So what is the intrinsic nature that is common to all liquids? Let us find out! After you are accustomed to the nature of liquids, let us get into the characteristics of liquids. These are some of the properties that are common to all liquids:
Liquids are free-flowing. This nature allows any liquid to take the shape of the container into which they are poured.
The above holds true for all gases too. However, the difference between liquids and gases is that liquid is denser than gases.
The flow of liquid helps it to take away excess heat that radiates from mechanical components.
When a liquid is heated, it slowly turns into a gas. It is then known as water vapor and the process is called vaporization.
When excess heat is applied to a liquid, it starts boiling. Once a liquid reaches its boiling point, it starts to turn into gas.
If a liquid turns into a gas without reaching its boiling point, it is termed evaporation.
Liquids are advantageous for usage in hydraulic systems. Many machines, like pumps, use liquid motion to work.
Liquids can also be used in measuring devices. The thermal expansion of liquids in thermometers makes the liquid suitable to be read in these devices.
Liquids always flow from a higher or upper level to a lower level. This is because of the force of gravity on liquids.
Liquids, when cooled down to a particular temperature, turn into solids.
This temperature is known as the freezing point. For instance, the freezing point of water is 32 °F (0 °C).
Liquids are able to transfer heat from hotter to colder bodies.
Most liquids cannot be compressed.
All liquids have a fixed volume. However, they do not have any fixed or set shape. They take the shape of the container into which they are poured.
Certain metals can be liquids too. These are called liquid metals. Mercury is such a metal. Other metals, need a high temperature to be melted into their liquid form.
Types Of Liquid
We can see and use liquids every day from the most mundane things in our lives to the most important ones. Let us read about different types of liquids.
In a general sense, liquids can be categorized into two broad types. They are liquid mixtures and pure liquids.
Pure liquids can be distinguished by the fact that they boil at a constant temperature that is precise.
Impurities in liquids make the boiling point vary. Hence, boiling lets us know if it is a pure liquid or not.
A liquid mixture is an outcome of mixing or fusing two or more liquids. These liquids may be of different consistencies.
Liquids can also be of different consistencies.
A liquid with less viscosity is water.
Honey has a very thick viscosity.
Molecular Structure of Liquid
Every particle in nature is composed of molecules and atoms. The composition of these molecules within the body or the object determines its structures and properties. The same applies to liquids. Here is what the molecular structure of liquid looks like:
The ordered molecular structure of solids is absent in liquids. On the other hand, their molecular structure is not as random as gases either.
The molecules represent a structure that is intermediate to those of solids and gases.
The molecules in liquids have some space and randomness between them. However, they are still closely bound which puts them in order.
Due to the space between the molecules, liquids can flow easily from one space to another.
This property of the molecules can be seen when a container is filled with cold water and after that hot water is poured into it. The water can be seen regulating till the low and high temperatures mix to form an even temperature of the water.
The molecules can attain an infinite number of positions in a liquid.
The molecules being closely packed, make liquids almost impossible to compress.
Liquids are a unique state of matter that is unlike the other three fundamental states of matter. They are indispensable to humans and all other living organisms.
FAQs
What are the five characteristics of a liquid?
They have a definite volume but no definite shape. They can be compressed only under extremely high pressure. They have a density that is lesser than solids. The force between the molecules is lesser than solids. The space between the molecules is more than solids but lesser than gases.
What is unique about liquids?
Capillary action, surface tension, and viscosity are some unique properties of liquids.
What is a liquid made of?
It is made of tiny atoms or particles of matter that are in a vibrating state. These are held together by the bonds between molecules.
How hot is liquid metal?
Different liquids melt at different temperatures. Mercury is one of the only metals that are liquid at room temperature. It has a melting point of −37.9 °F (−38.8 °C).
How many types of liquids are there?
Liquids can be classified into two broad types, liquid mixtures, and pure liquids.
Which liquid flows quickly?
The less consistency a liquid has, the faster it will flow. Hence water flows quickly while honey does not.
What are pure liquids?
They are the ones that have a precise and consistent boiling temperature.
How many elements exist in the liquid state at room temperature?
There are only two elements that can exist in a liquid state at room temperature. They are mercury and bromine.
How to measure the volume of liquid?
A buret or a graduated cylinder can be used to measure the volume of a liquid.
How do we find the density of a liquid?
To find the density of a liquid, you have to first measure its volume and mass. The density of a liquid is its mass divided by its volume.
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Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.
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