Liquids take the shape of the bottom of their container, while gases take the shape of their entire container. The shape solids take, however, is independent of their container. In 3–5 sentences, explain these patterns.

Answer 1

The main reason for these patterns is the difference in intermolecular forces between liquids, gases, and solids. Liquids have stronger intermolecular forces compared to gases, allowing them to maintain a definite volume and take the shape of their container's bottom. Gases, on the other hand, have weak intermolecular forces, leading to a high degree of molecular motion and the ability to spread out and take the shape of their entire container. Solids have the strongest intermolecular forces, resulting in a fixed shape that is independent of their container as the molecules are tightly packed and vibrate in fixed positions.