Complete the table by assigning variable or fixed to the shape and volume of solids, liquids, and gases. You are currently in a labeling module. Turn off browse mode or quick nav, Tab to items, Space or Enter to pick up, Tab to move, Space or Enter to drop.
Shape Volume
solids
liquids
gases

Answer Bank
Fixed or variable

The properties of solids, liquids and gases regarding their shapes and volumes are:

                       Shape             Volume

Solids              Fixed                Fixed

Liquids           Variable            Fixed

Gases             Variable           Variable

Solids have strong attraction forces between their molecules. Thus, the molecules are closely packed with little movement. As a consequence, both shape and volume are fixed.

In liquids, attraction and repulsion forces are similar. They have a little more movement than the solid state. Then, they do have a fixed volume but they adopt the shape of the container.

Gases have very weak attraction forces between their molecules. They move very freely and expand trying to occupy as much volume as possible. So, they have a variable volume and shape (adopt the shape of the container).

You can learn more about states of matter here: