Which state of matter has a definite shape and volume?

Which state of matter has a definite shape and volume?

• A. Liquid
• B. Solid
• C. Gas
• D. Plasma

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how particles are arranged and move in each state. In a solid, particles are tightly packed in a fixed arrangement and vibrate mainly in place; strong attractive forces hold them together. That rigidity gives a definite shape and a definite volume, no matter what container you put the solid in. In contrast, a liquid has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container because its particles can slide past one another and flow. A gas has neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume because its particles are far apart and move freely, filling the space available. Plasma behaves similarly to a highly energized, ionized gas and typically does not have a fixed shape or volume under many conditions. So, the state that has both a definite shape and a definite volume is the solid.

The key idea is how particles are arranged and move in each state. In a solid, particles are tightly packed in a fixed arrangement and vibrate mainly in place; strong attractive forces hold them together. That rigidity gives a definite shape and a definite volume, no matter what container you put the solid in.

In contrast, a liquid has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container because its particles can slide past one another and flow. A gas has neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume because its particles are far apart and move freely, filling the space available. Plasma behaves similarly to a highly energized, ionized gas and typically does not have a fixed shape or volume under many conditions.

So, the state that has both a definite shape and a definite volume is the solid.