Here's why:
* Liquids have molecules that are closer together than gases but not as tightly packed as solids. This allows them to move around each other, giving them the ability to flow and take the shape of their container.
Let's compare liquids to other states of matter:
* Solids: Molecules in solids are tightly packed and vibrate in place, giving them a fixed shape and volume.
* Gases: Molecules in gases are far apart and move freely, giving them no fixed shape or volume. They expand to fill their container.
So, liquids strike a balance between the rigidity of solids and the freedom of gases, allowing them to flow.