Here are two key differences between solids and liquids, drawing directly from the provided reference:
Differences Between Solids and Liquids
| Feature | Solid | Liquid |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Has a definite shape due to its rigid structure. | Lacks a definite shape; takes the shape of its container. |
| Volume | Has a definite volume. | Has a definite volume. |
Explanation
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Definite Shape: According to the provided reference, solids maintain a fixed shape because their molecules are tightly packed and locked into a specific arrangement. This creates a rigid structure. An example is an ice cube; it will stay in its cube shape unless force is applied.
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Variable Shape: Liquids, however, do not have a definite shape. The molecules in a liquid are still close together, but they can move around and slide past each other. This allows liquids to conform to the shape of whatever container they're in. Consider water; it will take the shape of a glass, a bottle, or a puddle. The reference states explicitly that "Liquids have definite volume but it lacks definite shape and can take the shape of the container in which it is stored."
