Which state of matter has particles that move more freely past each other but aren't free to move far apart?

Which state of matter has particles that move more freely past each other but aren't free to move far apart?

• A. Liquids
• B. Solids
• C. Gases
• D. Plasma

Answer: (A)

Particles in a liquid move enough to slide past one another, which lets the liquid flow and take the shape of its container while keeping a definite volume. They’re more free than in a solid, where particles mostly stay in fixed positions and only vibrate, but not as free as in a gas, where particles move far apart and fill the space. Plasma is a highly energized, ionized state similar to a gas. So the description fits liquids best because they balance enough freedom to move past neighbors with enough attraction to stay close together.

Particles in a liquid move enough to slide past one another, which lets the liquid flow and take the shape of its container while keeping a definite volume. They’re more free than in a solid, where particles mostly stay in fixed positions and only vibrate, but not as free as in a gas, where particles move far apart and fill the space. Plasma is a highly energized, ionized state similar to a gas. So the description fits liquids best because they balance enough freedom to move past neighbors with enough attraction to stay close together.