Which statement correctly describes the three classic states of matter and a key property of each?

Which statement correctly describes the three classic states of matter and a key property of each?

• A. Solids have definite shape and volume; liquids have definite volume but take the shape of their container; gases have neither definite shape nor volume.
• B. Solids have no definite shape; liquids have no definite volume; gases have definite shape.
• C. Solids flow easily; liquids are rigid; gases are incompressible.
• D. All states have the same shape and volume.

Answer: (A)

States of matter differ by how tightly their particles are arranged and how freely they move, which determines shape and volume. In a solid, particles are tightly packed and can only vibrate in place, giving a definite shape and a definite volume. In a liquid, particles are less tightly held and can slide past one another, so it has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container. In a gas, particles are far apart and move freely, so there is no fixed shape or volume; it expands to fill the space available. The other statements mix up these ideas: liquids do have a definite volume, gases do not have a definite shape, and solids aren’t the ones that flow or fill space indiscriminately.

States of matter differ by how tightly their particles are arranged and how freely they move, which determines shape and volume. In a solid, particles are tightly packed and can only vibrate in place, giving a definite shape and a definite volume. In a liquid, particles are less tightly held and can slide past one another, so it has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container. In a gas, particles are far apart and move freely, so there is no fixed shape or volume; it expands to fill the space available.

The other statements mix up these ideas: liquids do have a definite volume, gases do not have a definite shape, and solids aren’t the ones that flow or fill space indiscriminately.