Final answer:
Matter is found as solids, liquids, and gases. Solids have a definite shape and volume, liquids have a definite volume but adopt the container's shape, and gases fill any given volume entirely, lacking a defined shape or set volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
States of Matter
Matter is commonly found in three states: solids, liquids, and gases. Solids are characterized by having a definite shape and specific volume. Liquids, while having a definite volume, do not have a fixed shape but rather take the shape of their container at the bottom. Gases differ as they fill the entire volume of their containers, neither having a definite shape nor a specific volume.
This behavior can be explained by the differences in molecular structure and bonding in each state. In solids, molecules are tightly bound and maintain a fixed structure. In liquids, molecules have fewer bonds, allowing them to move around and take the shape of the container's surface while maintaining a constant volume. In contrast, gas molecules are not bonded to one another and spread out to uniformly fill the container they are in, regardless of shape or volume.