How do solids behave compared to liquids and gases in terms of volume and shape?

How do solids behave compared to liquids and gases in terms of volume and shape?

• A. Fixed volume and fixed shape
• B. Changing volume and shape
• C. Fixed volume but changing shape
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Solids are characterized by having both a fixed volume and a fixed shape. This behavior is due to the closely packed arrangement of particles in a solid, which allows them to maintain their shape and size without the influence of external factors. The particles in a solid vibrate in place but do not move freely, which prevents the solid from changing its form or compressing easily. In contrast, liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container, meaning their shape can change but their volume remains constant. Gases, on the other hand, have neither a fixed volume nor a fixed shape; they expand to fill their container completely. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses the definite properties of solids while clearly distinguishing them from the behavior of liquids and gases.

Solids are characterized by having both a fixed volume and a fixed shape. This behavior is due to the closely packed arrangement of particles in a solid, which allows them to maintain their shape and size without the influence of external factors. The particles in a solid vibrate in place but do not move freely, which prevents the solid from changing its form or compressing easily.

In contrast, liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container, meaning their shape can change but their volume remains constant. Gases, on the other hand, have neither a fixed volume nor a fixed shape; they expand to fill their container completely.

Therefore, the correct answer encompasses the definite properties of solids while clearly distinguishing them from the behavior of liquids and gases.