GENERAL CHEMISTRY I Unit 11: liquids

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Liquids are one of the three main states of matter, along with solids and gases. A liquid is a type of matter that takes the shape of its container but has a defined volume. In liquids, the particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) are close together but are not held in a fixed arrangement as they are in solids. Instead, the particles in a liquid are free to move and slide past each other, which gives liquids their characteristic fluidity and ability to flow. Liquids also have a relatively low compressibility, meaning that their volume does not change significantly under pressure. Liquids are intermediate in behavior between solids and gases and are characterized by their viscosity, which is a measure of the resistance of a liquid to flow. Some common examples of liquids include water, gasoline, and oil. Liquids play an important role in our daily lives, as they are used for a variety of purposes, including as solvents, fuels, and lubricants.