Final answer:
Solids are characterized by having a definite shape and volume because their particles are closely packed and vibrate in fixed positions. They are rigid and resist changes to their shape and volume, distinguishing them from fluids like liquids and gases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Solids have a distinct set of properties that differentiates them from other states of matter such as liquids and gases. One of the most defining characteristics of a solid is that it possesses both a definite shape and a definite volume. The particles that make up a solid are closely packed and arranged in a way that they vibrate but do not change their relative positions, which is why solids maintain their shape and volume.
Unlike gases that can expand to fill their containers, solids are rigid and do not take the shape of their containers. Unlike liquids that flow and take the shape of the bottom of their containers, solids cannot be poured or molded without the application of a force that exceeds the intermolecular forces holding them together. The particles within a solid are bound by forces strong enough to resist shearing and keep the solid in a fixed volume.
These distinct attributes of solids make them an essential phase of matter with a wide range of applications in daily life and various technological sectors. Understanding solids and how they behave under different conditions is crucial in fields such as engineering, materials science, and manufacturing.