(a) Tabulate the differences in the characteristics of states of matter.
(b) Comment upon the following: rigidity, compressibility, fluidity, filling a gas container, shape, kinetic energy and density.

(a) Difference in the characteristics of 3 states of matter.

(b) (i) Rigidity: The tendency of a substance to retain/maintain its shape when subjected to outside force.

(ii) Compressibility: The matter has intermolecular space. The external force applied to the matter can bring these particles closer. This property is called compressibility. Gases and liquids are compressible.

(iii) Fluidity: The tendency of particles to flow is called fluidity. Liquids and gases flow.

(iv) Filling of a gas container: Gases have particles that vibrate randomly in all directions. The gas can fill the container.

(v) Shape: Solids have the maximum intermolecular force and definite shape.

Whereas liquids and gases take the shape of the container.

(vi) Kinetic energy: The energy possessed by particles due to their motion is called kinetic energy. Molecules of gases vibrate randomly as they have maximum kinetic energy.

(vii) Density: It is defined as mass per unit volume, the solids have the highest density.