Final answer:
Each state of matter possesses different characteristics: solids have fixed shapes and volumes, liquids have a fixed volume but no fixed shape, and gases have neither fixed shape nor volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
Properties of States of Matter
Each state of matter has distinct physical properties. Solids are characterized by having a definite shape and a definite volume. In contrast, liquids have a definite volume but do not have a definite shape; instead, they take the shape of their container. Gases, on the other hand, have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume, expanding to fill their containers. Understanding these properties helps us identify the state of matter based on these characteristics.
Given the properties you provided:
- a) represents the liquid state which does not have a definite shape but has a definite volume.
- b) corresponds to the gas state since gases do not have a definite shape or volume.
- c) once again describes the liquid state due to it having a definite volume while adapting to the shape of its container.