Final answer:
Solids have particles in a fixed arrangement that are very close together, liquids have particles in a random arrangement but still close together, and gases have particles in a random arrangement that are far apart.
Step-by-step explanation:
The state of matter can be matched with the appropriate description of the arrangement of particles as follows:
- Solid: fixed arrangement and very close together
- Liquid: random arrangement but close together
- Gas: random arrangement and far apart
This classification is based on the physical characteristics and the behavior of particles in each state of matter. Solids have a definite shape and volume, liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, and gases do not have a definite shape or volume and their particles are far apart and move freely.