Question

Explain why solids have a definite shape and definite volume.

Answer 1

• All matter is composed of very tiny particles.
• In solids, these particles or molecules are packed together very closely. This is due to the very strong intermolecular force of attraction between the particles.
• For this reason, the intermolecular spaces in solids are negligible. As all the particles are tightly bound in their own positions, solids maintain a definite shape.
• Hence, as the particles are not free to move around, and are fixed, hence solids also have a definite volume.