Which statement correctly describes a solid?

Which statement correctly describes a solid?

• A. Particles move freely past each other
• B. Particles are far apart with no definite shape
• C. Particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place
• D. Particles are charged at very high temperatures

Answer: (C)

In a solid, particles are packed tightly together and stay in fixed positions, only vibrating in place. This close arrangement gives a solid a definite shape and volume, and makes it rigid rather than flowing. The other ideas describe liquids or gases: particles moving freely past each other would mean a liquid, and particles being far apart with no definite shape describes a gas. The notion of charging due to high temperature isn’t a defining feature of a solid.

In a solid, particles are packed tightly together and stay in fixed positions, only vibrating in place. This close arrangement gives a solid a definite shape and volume, and makes it rigid rather than flowing. The other ideas describe liquids or gases: particles moving freely past each other would mean a liquid, and particles being far apart with no definite shape describes a gas. The notion of charging due to high temperature isn’t a defining feature of a solid.