Question

Matter in the ___ state has no shape and fills completely whatever container holds it.

Short answer

Matter in the \(\textbf{gas}\) state has no shape and fills completely whatever container holds it.

Step-by-step solution

Eliminate solid state

Solid state of matter has a fixed shape and volume. In this state, particles of matter are tightly packed and can't move freely to fill up the container. So, the solid state doesn't fit the given description.

Evaluate liquid state

Liquid state of matter has no fixed shape, but it has a fixed volume. In this state, particles of matter are loosely packed and can move freely to take the shape of the container. However, it does not necessarily fill the entire container if the volume of the container is more than that of the liquid. Therefore, liquid state doesn't completely fit the given description.

Evaluate gas state

Gas state of matter has neither fixed shape nor fixed volume. In the gaseous state, particles of matter are widely separated and can expand to occupy the entire container, regardless of the size of the container. The gas state of matter completely fits the given description.

Conclusion

Given the properties of the three main states of matter, it is clear that the gas state is the one that has no fixed shape and can completely fill whatever container holds it. Therefore, the answer to the exercise is "gas".

Key concepts

Solid State

In the solid state, matter maintains both a definite shape and volume. This rigidity is due to the particles being tightly packed together in a fixed arrangement. The particles cannot move freely; they can only vibrate in place.
This closeness of particles gives solids their characteristic hardness and incompressibility.

• Tightly packed particles
• Fixed shape and volume
• Vibrations but no free movement

Examples of solids include ice, a diamond, and a wooden block. Each retains its shape regardless of the container it's in. While solids can't shape-shift or fill a container completely, they do possess structural integrity and can bear loads. Understanding solids shows how matter can exist in an orderly, stable form.

Liquid State

Moving on to the liquid state, we find matter that also has a defined volume but lacks a fixed shape. Liquids adapt to the shape of their container due to the looser packing of particles compared to solids.
They flow and slip past each other, allowing liquids to conform to a container's shape.

• No fixed shape
• Fixed volume
• Particles can move freely

An example of a liquid is water that conforms to the shape of a glass, yet its volume remains constant, even if the glass is tilted. Unlike gases, liquids don't expand to fill a container completely. This makes them ideal for various applications where both mobility and fluidity are needed, such as hydraulic systems. Understanding liquids shows a more flexible phase of matter compared to solids.

Gas State

Gas state is the most dynamic and adaptable among the states of matter. In this state, neither volume nor shape remains fixed. The particles of gas are vastly separated, allowing them to move freely and fill any available space entirely.
Thus, gases will always expand to fit the container they're in.

• Neither fixed shape nor volume
• Particles widely spread out
• Complete freedom of movement

Consider air within a balloon; it expands evenly to take up the entire space, regardless of the size of the balloon. This quality makes gases suitable for uses that leverage their ability to expand, like in inflating tires or balloons. Understanding gases highlights how matter can act in a highly dispersed and fluid manner, adapting to and filling any space provided.