Question

Solids, liquids, and gases each take up space in different ways. Solids keep their shape no matter the container, liquids fill the bottom of the container, and gases spread out to fill the whole container. In 3–5 sentences, explain why each state of matter behaves this way. (2 points)

Answer 1

Solids keep their shape because their particles are tightly packed in fixed positions and only vibrate, held together by strong attractive forces. Liquids have particles that are still close but can move past one another, so they flow and take the shape of the bottom of a container while keeping about the same volume. Gases have particles far apart with weak attractions and high kinetic energy, so they move freely and spread out to fill the entire container. These differences in how closely particles are packed and how much they move explain the three states' behaviors.