Question

Most objects have their greatest density in which state/phase of matter?

Answer 1

Density is a physical parameter which is defined as the ratio of mass to the volume of the substance. Density is also known by the name of volumetric mass density. Density is expressed mathematically as $\rho = \dfrac{m}{V}$ . $g/c{m^3}$ is used as a unit of density.

Complete answer:
As we know there are three common states of matter including solid, liquid and gas. Solids are composed of the constituent particles which are placed very closely with each other and hold by strong intermolecular interaction. Due to formation of strong interatomic interaction solid particles are unable to move and therefore do not have high volume. From the formula of density, as the magnitude of volume decreases the overall value of density increases.
Particles in liquids are placed at a particular distance and held together by the formation of a chemical bond which is not strong as in the case of solids. As a result, with little weak interatomic interaction, a liquid sample has the tendency to increase its particle – particle distance and hence they are not closed enough. Hence the density of liquid is slightly lower than solids.
In the gaseous sample, constituent particles of gases are moving in all directions independent of their neighboring particle. Interatomic forces between the constituent’s particles in gas are very weak or even considered as zero interatomic forces in the case of ideal gases. Hence due to large space between the two-constituent particles, density of gases will become lower than solid and liquid.
$\Rightarrow$ Hence, the object in solid state has the highest density.

Note:
Density of any pure substance is considered equivalent to mass concentration. Density of substances are calculated by a densitometer which is an automatic technique. Lithium metal is considered as the lightest metal in the periodic table.