Matter most commonly exists as a solid, liquid, or gas these states are known as the three common phases of matter. What exactly is a fluid? Can we understand fluids with the laws already presented, or will new laws emerge from their study? The physical characteristics of static or stationary fluids and some of the laws that govern their behaviour are the topics of this chapter. Much of what we value in life is fluid: a breath of fresh winter air the hot blue flame in our gas cooker the water we drink, swim in, and bathe in the blood in our veins.
It also helps support the weight of this swimmer. The fluid essential to all life has a beauty of its own. Describe the arrangement of atoms in solids, liquids, and gases.įigure 1.Explain the physical characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases.
