Solid:
* Particles are tightly packed together in a fixed, rigid arrangement. They vibrate in place but don't have enough energy to move freely.
* Low kinetic energy. This means the particles have low average speed and are only able to vibrate.
* Definite shape and volume. The fixed arrangement of particles maintains the shape and volume.
Liquid:
* Particles are closer together than in a gas but are not rigidly fixed. They can move around, slide past each other, and take the shape of their container.
* Higher kinetic energy than solids. This allows particles to move more freely but still remain close together.
* Definite volume but indefinite shape. Liquids have a definite volume because the particles are close together, but they take the shape of their container because the particles can move and flow.
Gas:
* Particles are far apart and move freely in random directions. They collide with each other and the walls of their container.
* Highest kinetic energy. This allows particles to move very quickly and spread out to fill any container.
* Indefinite shape and volume. Gases take the shape and volume of their container because the particles are not bound together and can move freely.
In summary:
* Solids: Vibrate in place, low kinetic energy.
* Liquids: Move and slide past each other, higher kinetic energy than solids.
* Gases: Move freely in random directions, highest kinetic energy.
