Solid vs Liquid — Difference (with Table & FAQs)
Solid vs Liquid compared side by side — a 5-row comparison table, 4 key points and 3 exam FAQs. Class 9 Chemistry, free and no sign-up.
TL;DR: Solid vs Liquid compared side by side — a 5-row comparison table, 4 key points and 3 exam FAQs. Class 9 Chemistry, free and no sign-up.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
The main difference between Solid and Liquid: Solids and liquids are two states of matter with distinct physical properties, essential for CBSE Class 9 Chemistry. Understanding their differences explai
Solid vs Liquid — Comparison Table
| Basis | Solid | Liquid |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Fixed and definite shape | No fixed shape, takes container shape |
| Volume | Fixed and definite volume | Fixed volume but changes shape |
| Particles | Tightly packed in fixed positions | Closely packed but can move |
| Compressibility | Nearly incompressible | Nearly incompressible |
| Fluidity | Non-fluent | Fluent, flows easily |
Key Points
- Solids have fixed shape and volume; liquids have fixed volume but variable shape
- Particles in solids vibrate in place; in liquids can move freely
- Melting converts solid to liquid; freezing converts liquid to solid
- Both solids and liquids are nearly incompressible unlike gases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a solid and a liquid?
A solid has both a fixed shape and a fixed volume, because its particles are packed closely in fixed positions. A liquid has a fixed volume but no fixed shape — it takes the shape of its container, because its particles can slide past one another.
Why can liquids flow but solids cannot?
In a solid the forces of attraction between particles are strong enough to hold them in place, so they only vibrate. In a liquid those forces are weaker, so particles can move around one another while still staying close together.
Which is more compressible?
Liquids are only very slightly compressible and solids almost not at all, because in both the particles are already close together with very little space between them. Gases are highly compressible because their particles are far apart.