Solids are substances that have a definite volume and shape and retain their original shape and volume after being moved from one container to another, such as a block of wood or a stone. A liquid has a definite volume, because it is almost impossible to put it into a smaller space. However, when a liquid is moved from one container to another, it retains its original volume, but takes on the shape of the container into which it is moved. For example, if a glass of water is poured into a larger bucket or pail, the volume remains unchanged. The liquid occupies a different space and shape in that it conforms to the walls of the container into which it is poured.
Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume.
Gases not only take on the shape of the container into which they are placed but expand and fill it, no matter what the volume of the container. Since gases and liquids flow easily, they are both called fluids. Moreover, many of the laws of physics that apply to liquids apply equally well to gases. Integrated Publishing's Official Web Page Click here for a current index of everything on this web site. All Rights Reserved.