Here’s a simple and clear explanation of the properties of gases:
- No Fixed Shape or Volume:
Gases take the shape and volume of their container. They do not have a definite shape like solids or a definite volume like liquids. - Compressibility:
Gases can be compressed easily because the particles are far apart, leaving a lot of empty space between them. - Low Density:
Because gas particles are widely spaced, gases have much lower density than solids and liquids. - Fluidity:
Gas particles can move freely past each other, so gases can flow like liquids. - Expansion:
Gases expand to fill any available space. If the container is large, the gas spreads out to occupy it completely. - Diffusion and Effusion:
- Diffusion: Gas molecules mix with other gases without stirring, moving from high to low concentration.
- Effusion: Gas particles pass through tiny openings without collisions.
- Exert Pressure:
Gas particles constantly collide with the walls of their container, creating pressure. - Obeys Gas Laws:
Gases follow laws like Boyle’s law, Charles’s law, and the ideal gas law, which relate pressure, volume, temperature, and number of particles.