Final answer:
The correct option is b. All solid objects deform when subjected to collisions or other contact forces due to their atoms being closely packed and held in a rigid lattice structure. If these forces become too large, the solid objects can break or shatter. Liquids and gases behave differently, with liquids flowing easily and gases expanding freely unless contained.
Step-by-step explanation:
All solid objects deform when pushed on in a collision or when other contact forces are applied to them. This is due to the fact that in a solid, atoms are in close contact and are held together in a lattice structure by forces that can be idealized as springs. These atoms can vibrate but are not free to change positions easily with their neighbors, making solids resistant to stress and compression. When the forces exceed the material's ability to maintain its structure, deformation occurs. For instance, water expanding upon freezing can break a boulder, signaling the material's deformation under stress.
Unlike solids, liquids and gases behave differently. Liquids deform easily and do not spring back to their original shape because their atoms or molecules are free to slide around and change neighbors. Gases must be held in a closed container to prevent them from expanding and escaping due to the significant separation between their atoms or molecules.