Why do solids have a definite shape while liquids flow downhill and gases move throughout their containers?

Answer 1

The atoms of a solid are tightly packed together causing them to stay stationary. The atoms in liquids continue to slide past each other and are not as tightly packed. The atoms of gases float freely and rarely come in contact with one another.

Answer 2

because the in a gas the particles move around freely as they have NO bonds at all, therefore they are their own 'self'.

solids, however do have bonds. very strong bonds. they have a regular pattern which is why they have the same density all around. they cannot move around freely and they cannot pour.

liquids, however, CAN pour and the particles DO have bonds with each other. however these particles are weak-not strong enough to hold them and keep their shape stiff. but they can move around freely which is why they also have a fixed size aswell.

Answer 3

liquid particles are not completely attached to each or tightly together thus, they move more. Gas particles have little or no attraction to each other, hence they spread everywhere.

Answer 4

solids have high denisty compared to liquids.

Answer 5

because the molecues in a solid are closer apart and make a solid, but a gas and liquid molecules move around and are apart from each other.

-Trina Sayed

Answer 6

Solids have definite shape and liquids and gases do not because because gases and liquids take the shape and volume of their containers! :)

Answer 7

Solids have stronger and greater inter molecular forces as compared to liquids thereby having greater densities and can be carved into regular geometrical shape.

Answer 8

They are free moving particles