In a solid, the particles are in close contact, sometimes in a highly ordered fashion called a crystal. A solid occupies a definite volume and has a definite shape. They possess vibrational and rotational energy. The particles in a liquid are usually separated by greater distances than those in a solid are. This type of movement gives the liquid its' most distinctive property, its' ability to flow.
Liquids generally take the shape of the container they are in.
Gases contain particles much farther apart than in either solids or liquids. These particles possess vibrational, rotational, and translational energy. The particles are free to travel from one point in space to another. Gases always expand to fill its' container. Please click classification of matter and states of matter homework to practice your skills before proceeding further.