Which state of matter has a definite volume but not a definite shape?

• A. Solid
• B. Gas
• C. Plasma
• D. Liquid

Answer: (D)

Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container. The particles in a liquid are closely packed, which keeps the amount of matter fixed and gives a constant volume. At the same time, they can slide past one another, so they flow and adapt to whatever shape the container provides. For example, water in a cup keeps the same amount of water, but its shape changes if you pour it into a differently shaped container.

Solids hold both definite shape and volume, so they don’t change shape to fit a container. Gases have neither definite shape nor definite volume; they expand to fill the space available. Plasma behaves like a high-energy, ionized gas, so it also doesn’t have a fixed shape or volume in ordinary conditions.

So the state that matches the description is a liquid.