Chapter 5 – States of Matter
Outline
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Introduction
- Definition of Matter
- Importance of Understanding States of Matter
- Relevance to Daily Life and Chemistry
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States of Matter
- Solids
- Liquids
- Gases
- Plasma (brief mention)
-
Solid State
- Characteristics of Solids
- Types of Solids (Crystalline and Amorphous)
- Examples
- Image for Solid State (alt: Crystalline vs Amorphous Solids)
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Liquid State
- Characteristics of Liquids
- Properties of Liquids
- Fluidity and Viscosity
- Image for Liquid State (alt: Molecules in Liquid State)
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Gaseous State
- Characteristics of Gases
- Compressibility and Expansion
- Examples
- Image for Gaseous State (alt: Gas Molecules in Motion)
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Intermolecular Forces
- Types of Intermolecular Forces
- Importance in States of Matter
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Dispersion Forces or London Forces
- Explanation of London Forces
- Examples and Significance
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Dipole-Dipole Forces
- Explanation of Dipole-Dipole Interactions
- Importance in Liquids and Solids
- Example: Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
-
Dipole-Induced Dipole Force
- What is Dipole-Induced Dipole Force?
- Examples and Relevance
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Hydrogen Bond
- Definition of Hydrogen Bond
- Importance in Water and Other Molecules
- Examples: Water, Ammonia
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Thermal Energy
- Relationship Between Thermal Energy and States of Matter
- Effect of Temperature on Matter
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Intermolecular Forces vs Thermal Interactions
- Comparison of Intermolecular Forces and Thermal Energy
- Effect of Temperature on Molecular Motion
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Boyle’s Law
- Statement of Boyle’s Law
- Mathematical Expression
- Example Problem
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Charles’s Law
- Statement of Charles’s Law
- Mathematical Expression
- Example Problem
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Gay-Lussac’s Law
- Statement of Gay-Lussac’s Law
- Mathematical Expression
- Example Problem
-
Avogadro’s Law
- Statement of Avogadro’s Law
- Mathematical Expression
- Example Problem
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Ideal Gas Equation
- Explanation of the Ideal Gas Equation
- Derivation and Application
- Ideal vs Real Gases
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Density and Molar Mass of a Gaseous Substance
- Formula for Density of Gases
- Finding Molar Mass Using Gas Laws
-
Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures
- Definition and Explanation
- Formula for Partial Pressure
- Example Problem
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Partial Pressure in Terms of Mole Fraction
- Definition and Formula
- Example Problem
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Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases
- Principles of Kinetic Molecular Theory
- Explanation of Gas Behavior
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Behavior of Real Gases
- Ideal Gas vs Real Gas
- Deviations from Ideal Gas Behavior
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Liquefaction of Gases
- Conditions for Liquefaction
- Real-Life Examples of Gaseous Liquefaction
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Surface Tension
- What is Surface Tension?
- Examples in Daily Life
- Image for Surface Tension (alt: Water Droplet on Surface)
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Viscosity
- What is Viscosity?
- Factors Affecting Viscosity
- Examples in Liquids
Class 11 Chemistry Notes on Chapter 5 – States of Matter
Introduction
The study of States of Matter is a fundamental aspect of Chemistry, as it helps us understand how different forms of matter behave under various conditions. Matter, in its simplest form, exists in three primary states: solid, liquid, and gas. These states differ significantly in terms of molecular arrangement, energy levels, and interactions between particles. By studying these differences, we gain insights into the physical properties of materials and how they respond to changes in temperature, pressure, and other conditions. Understanding these concepts is essential not only for academics but also for numerous practical applications in science and industry.
States of Matter
Matter primarily exists in three states:
- Solids: Particles are closely packed and have a fixed shape and volume.
- Liquids: Particles are close together but can move around, allowing liquids to take the shape of their container while maintaining a fixed volume.
- Gases: Particles are far apart and move freely, allowing gases to expand and fill any container they occupy.
Each state has unique properties and behavior due to the different ways in which the particles interact and move. Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is rarely encountered in everyday life but is important in physics and astronomy.
Solid State
Solids have a definite shape and volume. The particles in a solid are tightly packed, usually in a regular arrangement, which gives solids their rigid structure. Solids can be categorized into two types:
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Crystalline Solids: These solids have a well-ordered, repeating pattern of atoms or molecules. Examples include salts, metals, and diamonds.
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Amorphous Solids: These solids lack a definite pattern and are more disordered. Examples include glass and rubber.

The strong intermolecular forces between particles in solids prevent them from moving freely. This gives them their characteristic properties like rigidity and resistance to compression.
Liquid State
Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape. The particles in a liquid are close together but can move around, which allows liquids to flow and take the shape of their container. Liquids exhibit properties such as:
- Viscosity: The resistance of a liquid to flow. Honey is more viscous than water.
- Surface Tension: The force that causes the surface of a liquid to contract. It is responsible for phenomena like water droplets forming a spherical shape.
Liquids are less ordered than solids but more structured than gases, which is why they have a fixed volume but adapt to the shape of their container.
Gaseous State
Gases have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. The particles in a gas are widely spaced and move freely at high speeds. This explains why gases can expand to fill any container and are highly compressible.
Because the intermolecular forces in gases are weak, gas particles are constantly in motion and spread out to fill any available space. Examples of gases include oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular forces are the forces that hold molecules together. These forces play a crucial role in determining the physical properties of matter, such as boiling points, melting points, and solubility. There are several types of intermolecular forces:
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Dispersion Forces (London Forces): Weak forces that occur between all molecules due to temporary shifts in electron distribution. They are particularly significant in non-polar molecules.
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Dipole-Dipole Forces: These forces occur between polar molecules and arise from the attraction between the positive end of one molecule and the negative end of another.
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Hydrogen Bonding: A special type of dipole-dipole interaction where hydrogen is bonded to a highly electronegative atom (e.g., oxygen or nitrogen). Water's high boiling point is an example of hydrogen bonding in action.
These forces help explain why substances have distinct properties depending on their state of matter.
Dispersion Forces or London Forces
Dispersion forces, also known as London forces, are a type of weak intermolecular force that arise due to temporary shifts in electron distribution around atoms or molecules. These forces are present in all molecules, but they are particularly important in non-polar molecules, where they are the primary form of intermolecular attraction.
For example, noble gases like helium and argon exhibit dispersion forces. While these forces are weak compared to other types of intermolecular forces, they increase in strength as the size and number of electrons in the molecule increase.
Dipole-Dipole Forces
Dipole-dipole interactions occur between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule. These forces are stronger than dispersion forces but weaker than hydrogen bonds.
An example of dipole-dipole interactions can be seen in hydrogen chloride (HCl). The hydrogen atom, which is partially positive, is attracted to the chlorine atom, which is partially negative, forming a dipole.

Dipole-Induced Dipole Force
In dipole-induced dipole interactions, a polar molecule induces a temporary dipole in a non-polar molecule. This occurs because the positive or negative charge of the polar molecule disturbs the electron cloud of the non-polar molecule, creating a momentary dipole.
For example, the interaction between water (a polar molecule) and oxygen (a non-polar molecule) can result in induced dipole forces. Though these forces are weaker than dipole-dipole forces, they play a role in various chemical and physical processes.
Hydrogen Bond
Hydrogen bonding is a special type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. These electronegative atoms pull the electron density away from hydrogen, giving it a partial positive charge. This positively charged hydrogen is attracted to the lone pairs of electrons on neighboring molecules.
For example, water (H₂O) molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds. This explains water's unusually high boiling point compared to other molecules of similar size, as well as its unique properties like surface tension and high specific heat capacity.
Hydrogen bonding is also critical in biological systems. For instance, it plays a key role in stabilizing the double-helix structure of DNA.
Thermal Energy
Thermal energy is the energy that particles of matter possess due to their motion. It is directly related to temperature: as the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of particles also increases. This increase in energy can cause changes in the state of matter, such as melting, boiling, or sublimation.
For example:
- Ice melting into water is a result of thermal energy overcoming the intermolecular forces holding the water molecules in a solid structure.
- Boiling water into steam occurs when the thermal energy is sufficient to break the hydrogen bonds in the liquid phase.
Thermal energy, in combination with intermolecular forces, determines the state of matter of a substance at a given temperature and pressure.
Intermolecular Forces vs Thermal Interactions
The competition between intermolecular forces and thermal energy determines the physical state of a substance. Strong intermolecular forces tend to hold particles together, favoring the solid or liquid state. On the other hand, high thermal energy causes particles to move faster and spread apart, leading to a gaseous state.
- At low temperatures, intermolecular forces dominate, and substances tend to exist as solids or liquids.
- At high temperatures, thermal energy overcomes these forces, leading to phase transitions like melting, boiling, or sublimation.
Understanding this interplay is crucial for explaining phenomena like the melting of ice at room temperature or the boiling of water at high altitudes where atmospheric pressure is lower.
Boyle’s Law
Boyle’s Law describes the relationship between pressure and volume of a gas at a constant temperature. It states:
“The pressure of a given mass of gas is inversely proportional to its volume at constant temperature.”
The mathematical expression of Boyle’s Law is:
P × V = constant
or
P₁V₁ = P₂V₂
Where:
- P is the pressure of the gas,
- V is the volume of the gas.
For example, if a gas is compressed to half its original volume, its pressure will double, provided the temperature remains constant.
Example Problem:
A gas occupies 2 L at a pressure of 1 atm. If the volume is decreased to 1 L, what will be the new pressure?
Solution:
Using P₁V₁ = P₂V₂:
1 atm × 2 L = P₂ × 1 L
P₂ = 2 atm
This law is often demonstrated using a piston or a syringe.
Charles’s Law
Charles’s Law explains the relationship between the volume and temperature of a gas at constant pressure. It states:
“The volume of a given mass of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature, provided the pressure remains constant.”
The mathematical expression is:
V/T = constant
or
V₁/T₁ = V₂/T₂
Where:
- V is the volume of the gas,
- T is the absolute temperature (in Kelvin).
Example Problem:
A gas has a volume of 3 L at 300 K. What will be its volume at 450 K if the pressure is constant?
Solution:
Using V₁/T₁ = V₂/T₂:
3 L / 300 K = V₂ / 450 K
V₂ = (3 × 450) / 300 = 4.5 L
This law is why balloons expand when heated.
Gay-Lussac’s Law
Gay-Lussac’s Law describes the relationship between pressure and temperature of a gas at constant volume. It states:
“The pressure of a given mass of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature, provided the volume remains constant.”
The mathematical expression is:
P/T = constant
or
P₁/T₁ = P₂/T₂
Where:
- P is the pressure of the gas,
- T is the absolute temperature (in Kelvin).
Example Problem:
A gas is at a pressure of 2 atm at 300 K. What will its pressure be at 450 K if the volume is constant?
Solution:
Using P₁/T₁ = P₂/T₂:
2 atm / 300 K = P₂ / 450 K
P₂ = (2 × 450) / 300 = 3 atm
Gay-Lussac’s Law explains why pressure cookers are effective: as the temperature of the steam inside increases, so does its pressure, cooking food faster.
Avogadro’s Law
Avogadro’s Law states:
“The volume of a gas is directly proportional to the number of moles of gas at constant temperature and pressure.”
The mathematical expression is:
V/n = constant
or
V₁/n₁ = V₂/n₂
Where:
- V is the volume of the gas,
- n is the number of moles of gas.
For example, if 1 mole of gas occupies 22.4 L at STP (Standard Temperature and Pressure), 2 moles will occupy 44.8 L under the same conditions.
Example Problem:
1 mole of gas occupies 10 L at a certain temperature and pressure. What will be the volume if the amount of gas is doubled to 2 moles?
Solution:
Using V₁/n₁ = V₂/n₂:
10 L / 1 mole = V₂ / 2 moles
V₂ = 20 L
Avogadro’s Law is essential for understanding molar volume and gas stoichiometry in chemical reactions.
Ideal Gas Equation
The Ideal Gas Equation combines Boyle’s, Charles’s, and Avogadro’s laws into a single equation:
PV = nRT
Where:
- P is pressure,
- V is volume,
- n is the number of moles,
- R is the ideal gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K or 0.0821 L·atm/mol·K),
- T is temperature (in Kelvin).
This equation is used to calculate the properties of ideal gases under varying conditions. It is applicable in situations where gases behave ideally, meaning intermolecular forces and the volume of gas particles are negligible.
Density and Molar Mass of a Gaseous Substance
The density of a gas and its molar mass are important properties that can be calculated using the Ideal Gas Equation. The relationship between these properties is given by:
Density (d) = PM/RT
Where:
- d is the density of the gas,
- P is the pressure,
- M is the molar mass,
- R is the ideal gas constant,
- T is the temperature in Kelvin.
For example, consider oxygen gas (O₂) at 1 atm and 273 K:
- Molar mass (M) = 32 g/mol
- Using the formula:
d = (1 × 32) / (0.0821 × 273)
d = 1.43 g/L
This formula is particularly useful in determining the molar mass of unknown gases in laboratory experiments.
Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures
Dalton’s Law states:
“The total pressure exerted by a mixture of non-reacting gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of individual gases.”
The mathematical expression is:
P_total = P₁ + P₂ + P₃ + ...
Where:
- P_total is the total pressure,
- P₁, P₂, P₃, ... are the partial pressures of the gases in the mixture.
Example Problem:
A gas mixture contains oxygen (O₂) at 2 atm and nitrogen (N₂) at 3 atm. What is the total pressure of the mixture?
Solution:
P_total = P(O₂) + P(N₂)
P_total = 2 atm + 3 atm = 5 atm
Dalton’s Law is particularly useful in calculating the pressures of gases in systems like atmospheric air or industrial processes.
Partial Pressure in Terms of Mole Fraction
The partial pressure of a gas in a mixture can also be expressed using its mole fraction (χ):
P₁ = χ₁ × P_total
Where:
- χ₁ is the mole fraction of the gas,
χ₁ = n₁/n_total (number of moles of gas divided by total moles in the mixture), - P_total is the total pressure.
Example Problem:
A gas mixture contains 2 moles of oxygen and 3 moles of nitrogen at a total pressure of 5 atm. What is the partial pressure of oxygen?
Solution:
Total moles: n_total = 2 + 3 = 5
Mole fraction of oxygen: χ(O₂) = 2/5 = 0.4
Partial pressure of oxygen: P(O₂) = χ(O₂) × P_total = 0.4 × 5 = 2 atm
This formula is widely used in fields like gas chromatography and respiratory physiology.
Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases
The Kinetic Molecular Theory explains the behavior of gases by describing their molecular motion. The main postulates of the theory are:
- Gases consist of a large number of tiny particles in constant random motion.
- The volume of gas particles is negligible compared to the total volume of the gas.
- Collisions between gas particles and the walls of the container are elastic, meaning there is no net loss of energy.
- The average kinetic energy of gas particles is proportional to the absolute temperature.
This theory helps explain properties such as:
- Pressure: Caused by collisions of gas particles with container walls.
- Temperature: Related to the average kinetic energy of the particles.
For instance, increasing the temperature of a gas increases the kinetic energy of its molecules, causing them to move faster and exert more pressure if the volume is constant.
Behavior of Real Gases
Real gases deviate from ideal behavior due to intermolecular forces and the finite volume of gas particles. These deviations are significant under conditions of:
- High pressure: Gas particles are compressed, and their volume becomes significant.
- Low temperature: Intermolecular attractions become more pronounced.
The van der Waals equation modifies the Ideal Gas Equation to account for these factors:
[P + a(n/V)²] [V - nb] = nRT
Where:
- a accounts for intermolecular attractions,
- b accounts for the finite volume of gas particles.
This equation provides a more accurate description of real gases, especially near the point of liquefaction.
Liquefaction of Gases
Gases can be converted into liquids by:
- Cooling: Reducing the kinetic energy of particles to strengthen intermolecular attractions.
- Compressing: Decreasing the distance between particles to enhance intermolecular forces.
The critical temperature (T_c) and critical pressure (P_c) are key factors in liquefaction:
- T_c: The highest temperature at which a gas can be liquefied by pressure.
- P_c: The pressure required to liquefy a gas at T_c.
Liquefied gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are used in industries for cooling, storage, and manufacturing.
Surface Tension
Surface tension is the force that causes the surface of a liquid to act like a stretched elastic sheet. It is caused by cohesive forces between liquid molecules.
Examples:
- Water forms droplets because its molecules are strongly attracted to one another.
- Small insects can walk on water due to its high surface tension.
Factors Affecting Surface Tension:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures reduce surface tension.
- Impurities: Adding soap decreases water's surface tension.
Viscosity
Viscosity is the measure of a liquid's resistance to flow. Honey has higher viscosity than water because its molecules experience stronger intermolecular forces.
Factors Affecting Viscosity:
- Intermolecular Forces: Stronger forces increase viscosity.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures decrease viscosity by weakening intermolecular forces.
Applications of Viscosity:
- Designing lubricants for machinery.
- Manufacturing paints and coatings.
Conclusion
The chapter on States of Matter provides a comprehensive understanding of the physical states of substances and the forces that govern their behavior. From the basic principles of gases to the intricate details of intermolecular forces, this topic bridges theoretical knowledge and practical applications. By mastering these concepts, students gain insights into everything from weather patterns to industrial processes.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main states of matter?
A1: The three main states are solids, liquids, and gases. Plasma is a fourth state, often observed in stars and certain laboratory conditions.
Q2: What is the Ideal Gas Equation?
A2: The Ideal Gas Equation is PV = nRT, which relates pressure, volume, number of moles, and temperature for ideal gases.
Q3: How do intermolecular forces affect boiling points?
A3: Stronger intermolecular forces lead to higher boiling points because more energy is required to separate the molecules.
Q4: What is the difference between Boyle’s and Charles’s Laws?
A4: Boyle’s Law relates pressure and volume at constant temperature, while Charles’s Law relates volume and temperature at constant pressure.
Q5: What is surface tension, and why is it important?
A5: Surface tension is the force that causes liquid surfaces to contract. It is crucial in processes like water droplet formation and capillary action.
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