Which of the following is a characteristic property of liquids?

• A. Liquids have neither definite shape nor definite volume.
• B. Liquids have a definite shape but no definite volume.
• C. Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape.
• D. Liquids have a definite shape and definite volume.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the three common states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases, each with distinct properties regarding shape and volume.
2. Understand that solids have both definite shape and definite volume, meaning they maintain their shape and size regardless of the container.
3. Recognize that gases have neither definite shape nor definite volume; they expand to fill the shape and volume of their container.
4. Focus on liquids, which have a definite volume but no definite shape. This means liquids maintain a constant volume but take the shape of their container.
5. Therefore, the characteristic property of liquids is that they have a definite volume but no definite shape.