Which of the following best describes a key physical property of solids compared to liquids and gases?

• A. Solids have a definite shape and volume due to closely packed particles.
• B. Solids expand to fill the entire volume of their container.
• C. Solids can flow and take the shape of their container.
• D. Solids are easily compressible because of large spaces between particles.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the physical states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases differ primarily in particle arrangement and movement.
2. Recall that solids have particles that are closely packed in a fixed, orderly arrangement, which restricts their movement to vibrations in place.
3. Recognize that because of this close packing and limited movement, solids maintain a definite shape and volume, unlike liquids and gases.
4. Contrast this with liquids, which have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, and gases, which have neither definite shape nor volume and expand to fill their container.
5. Conclude that the key physical property of solids is having a definite shape and volume due to closely packed particles, making the first option the correct description.