Difference Between Fluid and Liquid
Difference Between Fluid and Liquid; A fluid includes both liquids and gasses, capable of flowing and adjusting to the shape of its container. Read this post and Explore more insights of Difference Between Fluid and Liquid
Praveen Kushwah9 Jun, 2025
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Difference Between Fluid and Liquid : When a candidate is preparing for the NEET exam, it is crucial to understand key concepts and the distinctions between them. One such concept from the NEET syllabus that often creates confusion among NEET aspirants is the difference between fluid and liquid.
In this blog post, we will explore the topic Difference Between Fluid and Liquid in detail and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of these terms.Difference Between Fluid and Liquid
To grasp the distinction between a fluid and a liquid, let's start with clear definitions. A fluid includes both liquids and gasses, capable of flowing and adjusting to the shape of its container. Now, a liquid specifically refers to a state of matter with a fixed volume but no set shape – think of it as taking the shape of whatever it's in, like water in a cup. So, in simpler terms, while all liquids are fluids, not everything that flows fits the liquid description. Understanding these definitions provides a foundation for recognizing how substances behave in various states.Difference Between Fluid and Liquid Overview
Fluid and liquid are often used interchangeably, they have distinct characteristics. Fluid refers to any substance that can flow, it includes both liquids and gasses. Liquids, on the other hand, are a subset of fluids that have a definite volume but lack a fixed shape. Understanding the difference between fluid and liquid is crucial for NEET aspirants, as it lays the foundation for comprehending various topics of NEET. So remember, the next time you encounter these terms, recall their specific definitions and the examples provided to solidify your understanding. Before discussing the definitions, let's visualize the key differences between fluid and liquid through a simple table. This table provides a quick overview of the distinctions between fluid and liquid based on various parameters.| Difference Between Fluid and Liquid | ||
| Property | Fluid | Liquid |
| Definition | A substance that can flow and change the shape of its container. It includes liquids and gasses. | A state of matter with a definite volume but no definite shape, taking the shape of its container. |
| State | Can be both liquid and gas. | Specifically refers to the liquid state. |
| Shape | Takes the shape of its container. | It stays the same size but can take on different shapes |
| Compressibility | Compressible (applies to gasses within the category of fluids) | Virtually incompressible. |
| Density | Density can vary depending on the substance (e.g., gas or liquid). | Density is generally higher compared to gasses. |
| Examples | Includes both liquids (e.g., water) and gasses (e.g., air). | Specifically refers to substances in the liquid state (e.g., water, oil). |
| Behavior under stress | Exhibits deformation under applied stress. | Exhibits viscosity and does not flow easily. |
| Volume and Container | Adapts to the volume and shape of the container. | Maintains a constant volume but takes the shape of the container. |
What is Fluid?
Fluid, in the simplest of terms, refers to any substance that can flow or move. It has the ability to deform under applied shear stress, making it capable of taking the shape of its container. Fluids can be further classified into two categories: liquids and gases. Unlike solids, which have a fixed shape and volume, fluids lack a definite shape and are highly mobile. This feature lets them flow and take the shape of their container. Examples of fluids include liquids such as water, oil, and blood, as well as gasses like air and steam.Example of Fluid
To illustrate the concept of a fluid, let's consider air. Air is a gaseous substance that surrounds us and is composed of various gasses such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. It can flow and conform to the shape of its container, making it a prime example of a fluid.
What is Liquid?
Liquid, on the other hand, is a subset of fluids. It specifically refers to substances that have a definite volume but lack a fixed shape. Liquids are characterized by their ability to flow and take the shape of their container due to the weak intermolecular forces between their molecules. Water, the most abundant liquid on Earth, serves as a classic example. It fills oceans, rivers, and lakes, and can easily change its shape according to the vessel it occupies. Other common liquids include milk, juice, and gasoline.Example of Liquid
To provide a practical example, let's consider water. Water is a key component of our daily lives, essential for survival and countless human activities. Its liquid nature allows it to take the shape of any container it is poured into, making it vital for domestic and industrial usage. If you’re a NEET aspirant seeking comprehensive coaching, PW NEET online coaching offers top-notch resources and guidance for your journey. With our expert faculty and well-structured course material, you can enhance your understanding of complex scientific concepts like fluid and liquid.Difference Between Fluid and Liquid FAQs
Is water a liquid or a fluid?
Water is both a liquid and a fluid. It is classified as a liquid due to its ability to flow and take the shape of its container. Moreover, water is categorized as a fluid since it can deform under shear stress and lacks a fixed shape.
What is the difference between the fluids air and liquid?
The primary difference between air and liquid lies in their physical states. Air is a gaseous substance while liquid has a coherent volume but lacks a fixed shape. Additionally, air consists of a mixture of gasses, while liquids are composed of atoms or molecules closely packed together.
What is a fluid in biology?
In biology, a fluid refers to any substance that flows within living organisms. This includes bodily fluids such as blood, lymph, and intracellular fluid. These fluids play crucial roles in transportation, nutrient delivery, and waste removal within the body.
Why is a liquid called a fluid?
Liquids are called fluids because of their ability to flow and conform to the shape of their container. Unlike solids, liquids lack a rigid structure, which gives them their fluidic properties.
Why is liquid a fluid?
Liquid is classified as a fluid due to its ability to change shape and flow. The weak intermolecular forces between liquid molecules allow them to move and adapt to different containers, exhibiting fluid-like behavior.
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