Which of the following is a property of both the liquid state and the solid state?
a. an indefinite volume
b. an indefinite shape and a definite volume
c. more than one correct response
d. no correct response
e. a definite shape
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is b. an indefinite shape and a definite volume.
Explanation:
To understand this, let’s first break down the physical properties of the liquid and solid states of matter.
Solid State:
- Definite Shape: Solids have a fixed shape because their molecules are closely packed and only vibrate in place. This arrangement gives them a rigid structure, and the shape does not change unless external forces are applied.
- Definite Volume: The molecules in a solid are tightly packed together, so the volume remains constant. The molecules do not move freely, so there is no change in the solid’s volume unless a significant change in temperature or pressure occurs.
Liquid State:
- Indefinite Shape: Liquids do not have a fixed shape; they take the shape of their container. The molecules in a liquid are not as tightly packed as in solids, allowing them to move around and flow.
- Definite Volume: Like solids, liquids have a constant volume. The intermolecular forces between the molecules are weaker than in solids, but still strong enough to keep the molecules from spreading out indefinitely. Therefore, the liquid maintains a fixed volume, although it can change shape.
Comparison:
- Both liquids and solids have definite volumes. While solids maintain a fixed shape, liquids do not, as they flow and take the shape of their containers.
- Solids have a definite shape, while liquids have an indefinite shape because they flow to match the contours of their containers.
Thus, the only property common to both the liquid state and the solid state is that they both have definite volumes but differ in shape. Therefore, option b. an indefinite shape and a definite volume is the correct answer, since liquids have an indefinite shape and solids have a definite shape but both have a definite volume.