Liquids takes 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

Liquids conform to the shape of the bottom of their container because their molecules can move past each other while still being attracted to one another, allowing them to flow and take the shape dictated by gravity. Gases, on the other hand, have molecules that are far apart and move freely in all directions, filling the entire volume of their container regardless of its shape. Solids maintain a fixed shape because their molecules are tightly packed in a rigid structure, which restricts their movement and ensures that they retain their form regardless of the container they are in. This behavior is fundamentally linked to the arrangement and energy of the molecules in each state of matter.