The particles of a substance that are able to slide past one another are characteristic of a liquid.

Here's why:

* Liquids have a definite volume but not a definite shape. This is because the particles are close together but can move around each other.

* Solids have a definite shape and volume because their particles are tightly packed and vibrate in fixed positions.

* Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume because their particles are far apart and move freely.

Let me know if you have more questions about states of matter!