General characteristics of solids

General characteristics of solids

We have already learnt that gas molecules move randomly without exerting reasonable forces on one another. Unlike gases, in solids the atoms , ions or molecules are held together by strong force of attraction. The general characteristics of solids are as follows,

·           Solids have definite volume and shape.

·           Solids are rigid and incompressible

·           Solids have strong cohesive forces.

·           Solids have short inter atomic, ionic or molecular distances.

·           Their constituents ( atoms , ions or molecules) have fixed positions and can only oscillate about their mean positions