particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place; definite shape and volume

Question

particles are loosely packed and slide past one another; indefinite shape but definite volume

particles are far apart and move at fast speeds; indefinite shape and volume:

Answer 1

The descriptions you've provided correspond to the three main states of matter:

1. Solid: Particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place; solids have a definite shape and volume.

2. Liquid: Particles are loosely packed and slide past one another; liquids have an indefinite shape (take the shape of their container) but a definite volume.

3. Gas: Particles are far apart and move at fast speeds; gases have an indefinite shape and volume (they fill the container they are in).

These distinctions are fundamental to understanding the different physical states of matter.