Main Difference
The main difference between solid, and liquid is that solid is a state of matter with tightly packed particles in a specific shape while liquid has loosely packed particles without any specific shape.
Solid vs. Liquid
Everything in this universe that has mass and occupies space is known as matter. In other words, everything around us, such as plants, animals, water, food, vehicles, clothes, etc. matters. The matter is composed of tiny particles such as atoms, groups of atoms or molecules and ions, etc.
According to the physical characteristics of these tiny particles, the matter is divided into three states, i.e. solid, liquid, and gas. If the tiny particles are tightly bound together and form a rigid structure with the proper shape, then it will be the solid state of matter, e.g. Ice, Apple, etc.
The liquid is a state of matter that has particles that are loosely bound and do not have a specific shape, but it has a specific volume, e.g. water, juices, etc.
Comparison Chart
What is Solid?
A solid is a rigid state of matter that retains its density and shape when not confined. It has a strong force of attraction between its molecules. So, It has a little or minimum intermolecular space. Particles are bound tightly and found closed together to form a specific shape.
Its particles have negligible motion, Solid is very difficult to compress, and it cannot flow. It has a specific volume and does not require any container to store it. e.g. banana, table, car etc.
What is Liquid?
The liquid is a freely moving substance of constant or specific volume. It is that state of matter that has random and loosely arranged particles. The liquid has low forces of attraction between its molecules. So, it has more intermolecular spaces and does not has any specific shape. It is nearly difficult to compress liquid due to little gaps between molecules, but it can flow easily from higher concentration to lower concentration. The container is required to store liquid. e.g. water, juices, milk, etc.
Key Differences
- A rigid state of matter with a maximum force of attraction between its molecules is called solid while liquid has the medium type of intermolecular attraction.
- Solid has a specific shape and volume while liquid has no specific shape but has a specific volume.
- There is very little space between particles of solid while liquid has little space between its particles.
- Solid is tough to compress, but the liquid is less difficult compared to solid.
- Solid cannot flow but liquid can flow easily from higher concentration to lower concentration.
- Solid does not require any container to be stored while the liquid is stored in a container.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is concluded that a solid is a rigid state of matter with a specific shape and volume while a liquid is a flowing substance without any specific shape but has a specific volume.
