Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Make a table for a solid, a liquid and a gas. Fill in: (a) the shape, (b) the volume, (c) how easily it can be squeezed, (d) how close the particles are, (e) how the particles move. Then (f) give one example of each from your kitchen.
In a solid the particles are packed close in fixed places and only vibrate: it has a fixed shape and volume. In a liquid they are close but can slide past each other: a fixed volume, no fixed shape. In a gas they are far apart and move fast: no fixed shape or volume, and it is easy to squeeze.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. The table.
| Property | Solid | Liquid | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Fixed | Takes the shape of the container | Fills the container |
| Volume | Fixed | Fixed | Not fixed |
| Squeezing | Very hard | Hard | Easy |
| Particles | Very close, in fixed places | Close, not in fixed places | Far apart |
| Motion | Vibrate in place | Slide past each other | Move fast in all directions |
Step 2. (f) Kitchen examples. Solid: a steel spoon or a block of salt. Liquid: cooking oil or milk. Gas: the cooking gas from the stove, or the steam over a pot.
Check. Only the gas changes its volume to fill any container, because only its particles are far apart and nearly free.
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