How do solids and liquids behave?
This Topic is About...
- I will use the particle model to explain how solids and liquids behave.
- I will ask a question to investigate, choose which equipment to use in an investigation, measure time, collect and record measurements in a table, draw a bar graph of results, and describe patterns in results.
- I will draw pictures of observations and write a conclusion about my observations.
- I will describe and explain how some solids can behave like liquids.
- I will think about how we can use patterns in results in other investigations.
- I will say how we can make sure our measurements are reliable.
- I will think about why we use standard units of measurement.
You’re going to be a science explorer!
Key Words
- pour
- property
- powder
Tap to Learn the Meanings!
- pour: To cause a liquid to flow from one container to another.
- property: A characteristic or feature of something, like its color or size.
- powder: A dry, fine substance made up of many tiny particles.
Awesome! You're learning new science words!
Properties of solids and liquids
Aproperty describes what a substance or material is like, or how it behaves. We can measure, see or feel the properties of a substance or material. Solids and liquids have different properties.
Solids
Try to squeeze your desk, chair or pencil. Can you make it a different shape?
Solids keep their shape unless a force is exerted on them. The shape of a solid does not change on its own. We can make some solids change shape if we squeeze or push on them hard enough. Remember the particle model. Particles in a solid are packed closely together. There is no space for the particles to take on a different shape.
Liquids
Solids keep their shape. What about liquids?
What shape is a liquid inside a drinking glass?
Predict what will happen when you pour some water on to a flat surface.
Let’s Investigate!
Question: Can we change the shape of water?
Activity:
- Look at the picture. Who is correct, Sofia or Zara? Ask a question that you can investigate to find the answer.
- Plan an investigation to answer your question.
- Your teacher will provide some equipment for you to use. Choose the equipment you will need for your investigation.
- Carry out the investigation.
- Make drawings of your observations.
- Did your investigation answer your question? Write a conclusion for the investigation.
- Use the particle model to explain your observations.
Tap to See Answers
- 1: Your question could be: “Can water change shape depending on the temperature or container?”
- 2: You could heat water in different containers or freeze it to see how it changes shape.
- 3: Equipment could include different shaped containers, ice, and a thermometer.
- 4: Carry out the experiment by pouring water into different containers and observing the shape.
- 5: Draw pictures showing the water in different states (liquid, ice, etc.).
- 6: Water changes shape depending on the container and temperature (e.g., liquid in a glass, solid when frozen).
- 7: The particle model can explain that particles in water move more freely when heated (liquid), and are tightly packed in a fixed position when frozen (solid).
Great job! You’ve planned and investigated like a true scientist.
Liquid particles are further apart than solid particles. This lets them move around more easily. Since the particles can move, the liquid can flow and take the shape of its container.
Can solids behave like liquids?
We can pour a liquid. Can we pour a solid?
Most solids are hard and cannot change their shape because their particles are packed tightly together. This means that we cannot pour solids like we can pour liquids.
Some solids, such as sand, flour, salt and sugar, are similar to liquids. We can pour them and they take the shape of the container they are in. These solids are sometimes called powders.
Powders are made up of lots of very tiny pieces or grains. There is air between the grains, which means that the grains have space to move into. This lets the grains flow past one another like the particles in a liquid. But each grain of the powder is still made up of millions of particles that are too small for us to see.
Let’s Investigate!
Question: How do different solids flow through a funnel?
Equipment: A filter funnel, a measuring cup or cylinder, a beaker or jar, salt, sugar, flour, sand, timer, a magnifying glass, paper
Method:
- Place a small amount of each solid onto a piece of paper. Feel each solid. Does it feel rough or smooth?
- Observe each solid with a magnifying glass. Does the solid have big grains or small grains?
- Measure 100 ml of each solid.
- Hold the funnel over the beaker or jar. Pour the solid into the funnel.
- Time how long it takes for the solid to flow through the funnel into the beaker.
- Repeat the steps with the other solids.
- Draw a graph to present your results.
Follow-up Questions:
Tap to See Answers
- 1: The solid that flowed the fastest was likely the one with the smallest grains, like sugar.
- 2: Solids with larger grains, like sand or flour, might take longer to flow.
- 3: Smaller grains allow the particles to move more freely, making the solid flow faster.
Well done! You’ve observed and explained the properties of different solids.
FUN QUESTIONS
1. Which solid flowed fastest?
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2. Which solid flowed slowest?
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3. Describe any difference you observe in the solids that flowed fastest and slowest.
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4. Describe any pattern you can see in your results.
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5. How could you use the pattern you observed to predict how fast a different powder solid will flow?
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6. Results are reliable if we get the same or similar answer each time we repeat a test or investigation. Do you think your results are reliable? How can you find out?
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7. Which units did you use to measure time? How would this help you to compare your results with other groups’ results?