A solid would have more density as its particles are tightly packed, their positions are fixed and their intermolecular attraction is higher than that of liquid...

Density of Liquid vs Solid

Introduction:
Density is a fundamental property of matter that describes how tightly packed the particles are within a substance. It is defined as the mass of a substance per unit volume. In this discussion, we will explore the density of liquids and solids and determine which one has a higher density.

Density of Solids:
Solids are characterized by their closely packed and ordered arrangement of particles. This arrangement allows for a higher degree of intermolecular forces, resulting in a higher density compared to liquids. The density of a solid is determined by the mass of its particles and the volume they occupy. Since solids have a definite shape and volume, their density can be calculated by dividing the mass of the solid by its volume.

Density of Liquids:
Liquids, on the other hand, have particles that are more loosely packed and have a more random arrangement. This less organized structure leads to weaker intermolecular forces and a lower density compared to solids. The density of a liquid can also be determined by dividing the mass of the liquid by its volume.

Comparison:
When comparing the densities of liquids and solids, it is important to consider the type of substance being examined. Different substances have different densities, and certain solids may have a lower density than certain liquids. However, in general, solids tend to have a higher density than liquids due to their tightly packed arrangement of particles.

Reasoning:
The higher density of solids can be attributed to the stronger interactions between particles, which results in a greater mass per unit volume. Liquids, on the other hand, have weaker intermolecular forces and a more disordered arrangement, leading to a lower mass per unit volume.

Examples:
- For example, the density of water as a liquid is approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), while the density of ice as a solid is about 0.92 g/cm³. This demonstrates that the solid form of water (ice) has a higher density than its liquid form.
- Similarly, the density of iron as a solid is around 7.87 g/cm³, while the density of liquid mercury is about 13.53 g/cm³. Again, the solid form of iron has a lower density compared to the liquid form of mercury.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, solids generally have a higher density compared to liquids. This is due to the tightly packed and ordered arrangement of particles in solids, which leads to stronger intermolecular forces and a greater mass per unit volume. Liquids, on the other hand, have a more disordered and loosely packed structure, resulting in weaker intermolecular forces and a lower density. However, it is important to note that the density of a substance can vary depending on its specific properties, so it is necessary to consider individual substances when comparing their densities.