Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the liquid state of matter?
Statement I: Liquids have fixed volume but no fixed shape.
Statement II: The rate of diffusion of liquids is higher than that of solids.

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Both statements I and II are correct.

Explanation:

• Liquids do have a fixed volume because the particles are closely packed, but they do not have a fixed shape. Instead, liquids take the shape of the container they are in.
• In liquids, particles are able to move more freely compared to solids, which allows for faster diffusion. In solids, particles are tightly packed and only vibrate in place, making diffusion slower.
• The rate of diffusion in liquids is typically faster than in solids because the molecules in liquids are more mobile, although slower than in gases, where molecules move much more freely.

Information Booster:

States of Matter

Matter exists in four primary states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. These states are distinguished based on the arrangement and movement of their particles.

1. Solid

• Particle Arrangement: Particles (atoms or molecules) are tightly packed in a regular arrangement.
• Particle Movement: Particles vibrate in fixed positions but do not move freely.
• Properties:
• Definite shape and volume.
• High density compared to liquids and gases.
• Rigid and cannot be compressed.
• Examples: Ice, metal, wood.

2. Liquid

• Particle Arrangement: Particles are close together but not in a fixed arrangement, allowing them to move past each other.
• Particle Movement: Particles move more freely than in solids, but still stay close.
• Properties:
• Definite volume but no definite shape (takes the shape of the container).
• Fluidity and can flow.
• Slightly compressible.
• Examples: Water, oil, alcohol.

3. Gas

• Particle Arrangement: Particles are widely spaced and have little interaction.
• Particle Movement: Particles move freely and rapidly in all directions.
• Properties:
• No definite shape or volume (expands to fill the container).
• Low density and highly compressible.
• Examples: Air, oxygen, carbon dioxide.

4. Plasma

• Particle Arrangement: Plasma consists of charged particles (ions and electrons) and has no fixed arrangement.
• Particle Movement: Particles move freely at high speeds.
• Properties:
• High energy state.
• Found at extremely high temperatures.
• Conducts electricity and is affected by magnetic fields.
• Examples: Sun, lightning, neon signs.

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