Distinction Between Solid and Fluid

Solid Fluid More Compact Structure Attractive Forces between the molecules are larger therefore more closely packed Solids can resist tangential stresses in static condition Whenever a solid is subjected to shear stress It undergoes a definite deformation α or breaks α is proportional to shear stress upto some limiting condition Solid may regain partly or fully its original shape when the tangential stress is removed Less Compact Structure Attractive Forces between the molecules are smaller therefore more loosely packed Fluids cannot resist tangential stresses in static condition. Whenever a fluid is subjected to shear stress No fixed deformation Continious deformation takes place until the shear stress is applied A fluid can never regain its original shape, once it has been distorded by the shear stress