In this activity, pressing the stone shows that solids maintain their shape, while pressing the water allows it to take the shape of the container, demonstrating the properties of liquids. Pressing the balloon with air compresses the gas, highlighting its ability to change shape and volume. This hands-on study illustrates the distinct properties of solids, liquids, and gases effectively.
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In this activity, we are exploring the properties of the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases, focusing on their shape.
Solids (Stone):
When you press the stone inside the balloon, you will notice that the shape of the stone does not change. This is because solids have a fixed shape. The particles in a solid are tightly packed together in a structured pattern, which gives them a definite shape.
Liquids (Water):
When you press the water-filled balloon, the balloon itself may deform, but the water inside will not have a fixed shape. Instead, it will take the shape of the part of the balloon it occupies. This happens because the particles in a liquid are close together but are not in a fixed position, allowing them to flow and adapt to the shape of their container.
Gases (Air):
When you press the air-filled balloon, the gas inside will compress and expand, showing that gases do not have a definite shape. Gases take the shape of the entire container. The particles in a gas are far apart and move freely, filling up all available space.
In conclusion, solids retain their shape because their particles are arranged in a set structure; liquids change shape to fit the container because of their ability to flow; and gases completely fill the container they are in, showing no fixed shape.