Liquids take the shape of the bottom of their container, while gasses 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 behavior of liquids, gases, and solids can be attributed to the arrangement and movement of their molecules. In liquids, molecules are close together but can move past one another, allowing them to adapt to the shape of the bottom of their container. Gases, on the other hand, have molecules that are far apart and move freely, filling the entire space available to them. Solids have tightly packed molecules that maintain fixed positions, giving them a definite shape that does not change regardless of the container used. This distinction in molecular arrangement and mobility explains the differences in shape behavior among the three states of matter.