Definite shape and definite volume correspond to which state of matter?

Definite shape and definite volume correspond to which state of matter?

• A. Liquid
• B. Aqueous
• C. Solid
• D. Gas

Answer: (C)

Definite shape and definite volume belong to the solid state. In a solid, particles are tightly packed and held in a rigid arrangement by strong forces, so they can only vibrate in place. This keeps the shape fixed and the volume fixed as well, and solids are typically not easily compressed. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container because their particles can flow past one another. Gases have neither fixed shape nor fixed volume since their particles are far apart and move freely to fill the space available. Aqueous isn’t a separate state—it’s a liquid in which a substance is dissolved in water, so it shares the liquid properties rather than defining a distinct state. For example, ice keeps its shape, while water conforms to a container, and steam fills whatever space it’s in.

Definite shape and definite volume belong to the solid state. In a solid, particles are tightly packed and held in a rigid arrangement by strong forces, so they can only vibrate in place. This keeps the shape fixed and the volume fixed as well, and solids are typically not easily compressed. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container because their particles can flow past one another. Gases have neither fixed shape nor fixed volume since their particles are far apart and move freely to fill the space available. Aqueous isn’t a separate state—it’s a liquid in which a substance is dissolved in water, so it shares the liquid properties rather than defining a distinct state. For example, ice keeps its shape, while water conforms to a container, and steam fills whatever space it’s in.