Solids
In a solid, the particles are held together by strong intermolecular forces. These forces prevent the particles from moving very much, so solids have a definite shape and volume. The particles in a solid can only vibrate in place.
Liquids
In a liquid, the particles are held together by weaker intermolecular forces. These forces allow the particles to move more freely, so liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape. The particles in a liquid can move past each other, but they are still close together.
Gases
In a gas, the particles are not held together by any significant intermolecular forces. These particles move very freely, so gases have no definite shape or volume. The particles in a gas are very far apart from each other.
The table below summarizes the properties of solids, liquids, and gases in terms of the motion of their particles.
| State of Matter | Particle Motion | Shape | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid | Vibrate in place | Definite | Definite |
| Liquid | Move past each other | No definite | Definite |
| Gas | Move very freely | No definite | No definite |
