Which state of matter has indefinite shape and is compressible?
A liquid
B solid
C gas
D plasma
E none of the above
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is C: Gas.
Explanation:
Matter exists in four main states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Each state has distinct characteristics, particularly in terms of shape, volume, and behavior under various conditions such as pressure and temperature. Let’s break down the characteristics that lead to gas being the correct answer.
- Indefinite Shape:
- A gas does not have a fixed shape. Unlike solids, which retain a fixed shape, or liquids that take the shape of their container but maintain a definite volume, gases expand to fill the entire volume of the container they occupy. The particles in a gas are widely spaced and move freely, allowing the gas to adapt to any shape.
- Compressibility:
- Gases are highly compressible. This is because the particles in a gas are spread far apart, leaving a lot of empty space between them. Under pressure, these particles can be forced closer together, significantly reducing the volume of the gas. This property is why gases are used in many applications, such as in pressurized tanks (like those holding oxygen or natural gas).
To contrast:
- Solids have a fixed shape and volume. The particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place.
- Liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. The particles are closer together than in gases but can move past one another, allowing liquids to flow.
- Plasmas are a state of matter found at very high temperatures, where gases are ionized and consist of charged particles (electrons and ions). While plasmas are electrically conductive and have unique behaviors, they are still gases in many ways.
Thus, the correct choice is gas because it has an indefinite shape and is compressible.