Solids

Solids

Solids are one of the three states of matter and, unlike liquids or gases, they have a definite shape that is not easy to change. Different solids have particular properties such as stretch, STRENGTH, or hardness that make them useful for different jobs. Most solids are made up of tiny crystals. This is because their particles are arranged in a regular pattern, called a CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE.

Solids behave as they do because of the way their particles are arranged. The particles of a solid are linked by strong forces, which pull the particles tightly together. So, although the particles can vibrate, they cannot move about easily. This arrangement explains why solids usually keep their shape and feel firm.

Liquids

A liquid is a state of matter that has a definite size or volume but not a definite shape. A liquid takes the shape of the container in which it is held and presses on the container in the same amount in all directions. The molecules in a liquid are closer together than those in a gas but not as close together as those in a solid. The molecules in solids are in a fixed position but those in liquids move around more.

Example of Liquid – water.

Effects of liquids in Solids

Fabric (clothes)- Water soaks into things because of surface tension and causes them to swell up. Because water is a necessary component for live, keeping things dry also prevents mold from getting in and rotting them, and natural fabric, being made from plant material, is edible from a mold's prospective.

You can do experiments to see how water affects fabrics.

1.Look at the fabric labels to see whether they are cotton or polyester or wool or other fibers or 'blends' of different fibers.

2. Then put drops of water on the different fabrics and see how water interacts with them. I put drops of water on my fabrics by sticking my finger into a glass of water and then shaking my finger over the fabric or gently touching the water drop on my finger onto the fabric. Does the water sit on top of the fabric? Does it soak into the fabric?

3. Do you get different results if the fabric is lying on a table or if the fabric is lying over the top of a cup, so that there is air underneath?

4. How fast does the water soak into the different fabrics?

5. Are all your fabrics about the same thickness, or have you tested fabrics that are thin and fabrics that are thick? Do you think there is a difference if the fabric is knit or woven?

Water interacts with materials in different ways.

Some materials 'like' water. They are hydro-philic, and the water will soak into them quickly.

Some materials 'hate' water. They are hydro-phobic, and water will just sit on top of them.

You ask about the absorbent properties of fabrics. The absorbent properties

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