Final answer:
Solids have a definite shape and volume and are minimally compressible, liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape and are somewhat compressible, while gases lack a definite shape and volume and are highly compressible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—are distinguished by their unique characteristics of shape, volume, and compressibility:
- Solids: Have a definite shape and definite volume, and their particles are closely packed and fixed in place, making them minimally compressible.
- Liquids: Possess a definite volume, but their shape is not definite and instead conforms to the shape of their container. Particles in a liquid are close together but can move past one another, allowing liquids some compressibility under pressure.
- Gases: Have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. Gas molecules move freely and are spaced far apart, filling their container entirely. Gases are highly compressible because there is a lot of space between particles.