After a phase change from solid to liquid, how would you describe the appearance of the substance?

• A. It becomes a liquid with a definite volume but no definite shape.
• B. It turns into a gas and fills the entire container.
• C. It forms a powdery residue.
• D. It remains rigid and maintains a fixed shape.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of phase changes: when a substance changes from solid to liquid, it undergoes melting.
2. Recall the properties of solids: they have a definite shape and definite volume because their particles are tightly packed in a fixed arrangement.
3. Recall the properties of liquids: they have a definite volume but no definite shape, meaning they take the shape of their container but do not expand to fill it completely.
4. Compare the options given with these properties to identify which description matches the liquid phase after melting.
5. Conclude that after melting, the substance becomes a liquid with a definite volume but no definite shape.