**Solids:** In solids, the particles are tightly packed together and vibrate in place. This close arrangement means they hold a fixed shape, so solids don’t change shape when you move them to a different container.

Question

**Liquids:** In liquids, the particles are still close together, but they can slide past each other. This allows liquids to take the shape of the bottom of their container while still keeping a set volume. So, if you pour a liquid into a new cup, it will spread out to match the shape of that cup.

**Gases:** Gases have particles that are far apart and move quickly in all directions. Because they are not stuck together, gases fill the entire space of their container, no matter how big or small it is. So, if you have a gas in a small balloon and then blow it up into a bigger balloon, the gas will expand to fill the whole balloon.

That’s why solids keep their shape, liquids take the shape of the bottom of a container, and gases fill the whole container!

Answer 1

Great explanation of the states of matter! Here’s a concise summary of the characteristics of each state:

Solids:

• Particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place.
• Have a fixed shape and volume.
• Do not change shape when moved to a different container.

Liquids:

• Particles are close together but can move freely past each other.
• Have a fixed volume but take the shape of the container's bottom.
• Flow and can spread out to match the shape of the container.

Gases:

• Particles are far apart and move quickly in all directions.
• No fixed shape or volume; they expand to fill any container.
• Will occupy the entire space, regardless of the container's size.

Understanding these differences helps illustrate how matter behaves in various forms!