Question

Solids have the largest inter-particles space.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Let us first understand the definition of inter-particle space. Inter-particle space is basically the distance between atoms or molecules in a matter, i. e, solid, liquid or gas. Understanding the properties of solids, liquids and gases can be done by understanding their behaviour at the atomic or molecular level. The behaviour of particles is mostly influenced by three basic principles of temperature, pressure and energy. These three affect something called intermolecular forces and intermolecular spaces (also known as inter-particles space).

Complete answer:
We have to know that the solids have a very tightly packed structure and therefore have the least amount of intermolecular spaces and so have the highest intermolecular forces in general. These intermolecular forces between the solid particles keep them together and that results in solids having a fixed or definite shape. They are so tightly packed that it is almost impossible for the solid particles to even move and the maximum they can do is just vibrate at their own places.
If heat or energy is given to the solid particles, they would tend to vibrate even more since they would have more energy. This would induce vibration in surrounding particles as well and they would ultimately start to space up. As they do, the intermolecular forces would decrease and that would result in lower intermolecular forces and increase in volume. On further increase in energy, the intermolecular forces would become so small that the particles are not able to hold on to each other in a defined structure and the structure collapses giving rise to a new state of matter- liquid. The intermolecular spaces are still at a level where intermolecular forces still have their influence and so the volume is fixed and the particles are not very compressible.
If further energy is provided to the liquid state of matter, they would cause a rise in their kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is an energy associated with the motion of objects so higher is the kinetic energy, higher is the speed. So, as liquid particles gain more energy, their speed increases and so does the amount of collisions between them. These much more intense collisions force them to go further apart and as a result the intermolecular spaces start to increase. This causes the liquid to expand and if we keep providing it heat even further, the particles now move away so far from each other that the intermolecular spaces largely increase and give rise to a new state of matter-gases.
Thus, it can be concluded that solids have the least amount of intermolecular or interparticle spaces, liquids have intermediate and gases have the largest interparticle spaces.
Hence, the statement “Solids have the largest inter-particles space” can be considered as false and therefore the correct option is option B.

Note:
In order to conclude anything about the spaces between the atoms or particles of any state of matter, i. e, solids, liquids or gases, one must be clear about the concept of why these spaces exist and what influences them. Having a clear idea about their shape and how intermolecular forces help them have that shape is required. All temperature, pressure and energy play a role in these intermolecular spaces and therefore we have the three states-solid, liquid and gas.