Question

What do you mean by intermolecular spacing?

Answer 1

Hint: Matter is anything which occupies space and has definite mass. On the basis of intermolecular spacing matter is classified into three states i.e. Solid, liquid and gas. Depending on the various characteristics and properties the three states of matter differ from each other.

Complete Solution :
Intermolecular spaces can be defined as the space between two molecules or atoms. Intermolecular spaces categorized matter into solid, liquid and gas. In solids molecular spacing is very little while in liquids is more as compared to solids and in gas it is maximum. Hence these states can be defined as:
- Solids: The solid state is one of the fundamental states of matter. The molecules of solids are tightly packed because of strong intermolecular forces so they only oscillate about their mean positions only due to this they have definite structure and we can that the intermolecular space between solids is absent.
- Liquids: The molecules in a liquid are closely packed due to weak intermolecular forces. These forces are weaker than solids but stronger than that of gases. Liquids can easily acquire the shape of a vessel in which it is kept and they have a fixed volume. The intermolecular space is moderate in case of liquids.
- Gases: In gases particles are very far away from each other because the force of attraction between the particles is negligible and they can move freely. Gases have neither a fixed volume nor a fixed shape. The intermolecular space is very high.

Note: Rather than intermolecular spacing solid, liquid and gas can also be distinguished on many other properties like their conductivity, density, melting point, boiling point etc. We can also change the states of matter by knowing processes like water can be evaporated by boiling and can be turned into ice by freezing.