Which of the following best describes the physical properties of a solid?

• A. Indefinite shape and definite volume
• B. Definite shape and indefinite volume
• C. Indefinite shape and indefinite volume
• D. Definite shape and definite volume

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the three common states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas, each with characteristic physical properties related to shape and volume.
2. Understand that solids have particles tightly packed in a fixed arrangement, which restricts their movement and maintains a fixed shape.
3. Recognize that because the particles in a solid are closely packed and vibrate in place, solids have a definite volume that does not change easily.
4. Contrast this with liquids, which have a definite volume but take the shape of their container (indefinite shape), and gases, which have neither definite shape nor definite volume.
5. Therefore, the physical properties of a solid are best described as having a definite shape and a definite volume.