Facts About Gases

Gases are the state of matter in which molecules are the most loosely packed as compared to solids and liquids. The molecules in gases have the highest movement and vibrations out of all the states of matter (Solids, Liquids, and Gases) as they can freely move in the space available. Gases also have high kinetic energy because of this movement and vibration which helps them to overcome the intermolecular force of attraction. Out of all the three states of matter, gases have the least density. This low density is the result of the low force of attraction between the molecules in gases. The molecular structure of different states of matter can be seen in the following image:

Structure of Different States of Matter

Examples of Gases

Examples of gases are Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, water vapours, Natural gas, Nitrogen, etc.

Fun Facts About Gases for Kids

1. Gases don’t have a fixed volume. They expand or compress to take the volume of the container in which they are stored.

2. Gases don’t have any fixed shape. As mentioned earlier, they take the shape of their parent container.

3. Gases can be easily compressed because of the huge space available between the molecules of gases.

4. Unlike solids or liquids which don’t necessarily mix with themselves sometimes, gases can easily mix with one another.

5. If gases are compressed too much, then they are converted to liquids, on further compression they change their state to solids.

What is Natural Gas?

Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas. It is extremely valued for its fuel capabilities. It is a mixture of various gases, hydrocarbons, and alkanes. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium can also be traced in natural gas. It is a non-renewable resource and a fossil fuel and therefore, we must be very careful with its usage. 

Fun Facts About Natural Gas for Kids

1. Natural gas is an odourless gas; however, Methyl Mercaptan is added to odorize it. This helps in the detection of leaks.

2. Natural gas is the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon.

3. Power plants that operate on natural gas emit less than one-tenth of the pollutants released by the power plants that operate on coal.

4. When natural gas is liquified for transportation, it becomes a colourless, clear, and non-toxic liquid.

5. Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) does not exhibit fuel-like properties as it is not explosive and cannot burn.

Learning by Doing

1) Which of the following is a gas:

1. Carbon dioxide

2. Oxygen

3. Nitrogen

4. All of the above

Ans: d) All of the above

2) Which odorizer is added in natural gas to add odour to it?

1. Oxygen

2. Methyl mercaptan

3. Water

4. Carbon monoxide

Ans: b) Methyl mercaptan

Solved Questions

1) Which state of matter has the least density?

Ans: Gases have the least density among all three states of matter.

2) Which state of matter has the highest density and why?

Ans: Solids have the highest density among all three states of matter because the force of attraction between molecules is extremely high and they are tightly packed together.

Summary

There are three states of matter. They are solids, liquids, and gases. Gases are the least dense of the three and have very high intermolecular space. They have high kinetic energy and thus the force of attraction between the atoms is extremely less. They are highly compressible and can be converted into liquids and solids. They don’t have any fixed volume or shape, their volume and shape are determined by their parent container.