Which statement describes a solid?

Which statement describes a solid?

• A. Particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place
• B. Particles move more freely past each other
• C. Particles are far apart with no definite shape
• D. Particles are charged at very high temperatures

Answer: (A)

When a state of matter is solid, its particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place. This close arrangement and limited movement keep a definite shape and volume. The statement describing particles that are tightly packed and vibrate in place matches this behavior of a solid. In contrast, if particles move more freely past each other, that fits a liquid, which can flow and take the shape of its container while keeping a constant volume. If particles are far apart with no definite shape, that describes a gas, which spreads out and fills the space available. If particles are charged at very high temperatures, that points to a plasma, where energetic particles are ionized.

When a state of matter is solid, its particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place. This close arrangement and limited movement keep a definite shape and volume. The statement describing particles that are tightly packed and vibrate in place matches this behavior of a solid.

In contrast, if particles move more freely past each other, that fits a liquid, which can flow and take the shape of its container while keeping a constant volume. If particles are far apart with no definite shape, that describes a gas, which spreads out and fills the space available. If particles are charged at very high temperatures, that points to a plasma, where energetic particles are ionized.