Question

Indicate whether each of the following describes a gas, a liquid, or a solid: a. This substance has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container. b. The particles in a substance are very far apart. c. This substance occupies the entire volume of the container.

Short answer

a. Liquid, b. Gas, c. Gas

Step-by-step solution

- Analyze the first description (definite volume but takes shape of container)

A substance that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container is characteristic of a liquid. Liquids have a fixed volume but no fixed shape, conforming to the shape of their container.

- Analyze the second description (particles very far apart)

If the particles in a substance are very far apart, this is typical of a gas. In gases, particles are spread out and move freely, filling any available space.

- Analyze the third description (occupies the entire container)

A substance that occupies the entire volume of the container is also a gas. Gases expand to fill the entire space of their containers.

Key concepts

Understanding Gases

Let's start by diving into gases. Gases have some unique properties that distinguish them from liquids and solids. Unlike other states of matter, the particles in a gas are very far apart from each other. This means they move freely and energetically, filling any container they are in. So, when you encounter a substance that can occupy the entire volume of a container, you're probably dealing with a gas.

For example, think about the air we breathe. It's made up of different gases like oxygen and nitrogen. No matter the shape or size of a room, air will spread out to fill it entirely.

• Properties of gases:
• Particles are far apart.
• They have no fixed shape.
• They can expand to fill any container.


These properties make gases very versatile but also mean they can be easily compressed, which is helpful in various applications like filling tires or balloons.

Exploring Liquids

Next up, let’s talk about liquids. Liquids are fascinating because they have a definite volume, unlike gases. However, they don't have a definite shape. They take the shape of whatever container they are poured into. This is what makes water, for example, so adaptable.

So, when a description mentions a substance that takes the shape of its container but keeps its volume, it's describing a liquid. Picture pouring juice into different-shaped glasses; it adapts to the shape of each glass but the amount of juice remains the same.

• Properties of liquids:
• Fixed volume.
• No fixed shape.
• Conform to the shape of their container.


Liquids also have particles that are more closely packed than gases but not as tightly as solids. This allows them to flow, making them capable of forming surface tension and other fascinating behaviors like capillary action.

Understanding Solids

Finally, let’s explore solids. Solids have both a definite shape and volume, setting them apart from liquids and gases. This makes solids the state of matter that retains its shape regardless of the container it’s in.

Imagine a rock placed in different containers. It will keep its shape no matter where you put it. This quality is due to the tightly packed particles that barely move, which give solids their rigidity.

• Properties of solids:
• Fixed shape.
• Fixed volume.
• Particles are tightly packed and only vibrate in place.


These characteristics make solids ideal for building materials, tools, and everyday objects. They're durable and stable, making them essential in our daily lives.