Final answer:
Solids have a definite shape and volume, liquids have a definite volume but assume the shape of their container, and gases neither have a definite shape nor a definite volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
The properties that distinguish the three states of matter are primarily based on the shape and volume they maintain. Solids have a definite shape and a definite volume, meaning they maintain their shape and size regardless of the container they are in.
Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape, implying they will take the shape of the container they are in. On the other hand, Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume, expanding to fill the entire container they are placed in. Hence, the correct description that distinguishes these states is option a) Solids: definite shape, definite volume; Liquids: indefinite shape, definite volume; Gases: indefinite shape, indefinite volume.