Understanding the Three States of Matter

What characteristic of solids makes them incompressible?

• They have a fixed shape but not a fixed volume.

• Their particles are tightly packed and locked in place.

• They can easily flow and take the shape of their container.

• Their particles are free to move.

Why do liquids take the shape of their container?

• Because their particles are free to move independently.

• Because they have a fixed shape and volume.

• Because their particles are tightly packed.

• Because their particles are close together but can move around.

Which of the following is true about the volume of liquids?

• Liquids have a fixed volume.

• Liquids do not have a fixed volume.

• Liquids can be easily compressed to change their volume.

• Liquids have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume.

What allows gases to be highly compressible?

• They can flow and take the shape of their container.

• They have a fixed shape and volume.

• Their particles are free to move and not closely packed.

• Their particles are tightly packed.

How do gases differ from solids and liquids in terms of shape and volume?

• Gases take the shape and volume of their container.

• Gases have a fixed shape but not a fixed volume.

• Gases have a fixed volume but not a fixed shape.

• Gases have a fixed shape and volume.