Question

What phase of matter has particles that are held together but can flow past each other and takes the shape of a container, filling it from the bottom up?
Gas
Liquid
Plasma
Solid

Answer 1

Answer: Option (b) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

In solids, atoms are held together because of strong intermolecular forces of attraction between them.

As a result, solids have a definite shape and volume. Hence, its molecules are not able to slide past each other.

Whereas in liquids, molecules are together by less strong forces as compared to solids. Therefore, liquids do not have fixed shape and volume. They occupy the shape of a container in which they are kept together.

Therefore, molecules of a liquid are able to slide past each other.

In gases, molecules are held by weak Vander waal forces. So, they collide rapidly and occupy the volume of container and not the shape. Similarly, plasma is a hot ionized gas which consists of positive ions and negative electrons. Like gases, plasma also occupies the volume of a container.

Thus, we can conclude that liquid is the matter which can fill a container from top to bottom.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (b) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

In liquids, the molecules are held by less strong intermolecular forces of attraction as compared to solids.

Hence, liquids do not have a fixed shape but they have a fixed volume. And, liquids have the ability to occupy the shape of any container in which they are placed.

Also, molecules of a liquid are able to slide past each other because they have medium kinetic energy.

Thus, we can conclude that liquid phase of matter has particles that are held together but can flow past each other and takes the shape of a container, filling it from the bottom up.