The correct option is **C. Gases fill the entire volume of their container and have no definite shape.** ### Detailed Explanation: 1. **Understanding the States of Matter**: - Matter exists in three primary states: solids, liquids, and gases. Each state has distinct characteristics based on the arrangement and behavior of its particles (atoms or molecules). 2. **Characteristics of Gases**: - **No Definite Shape**: Gases do not have a fixed shape. Instead, they take the shape of their container. This is because the particles in a gas are far apart and move freely, allowing them to spread out and fill any available space. - **No Definite Volume**: Gases also do not have a fixed volume. They expand to occupy the entire volume of their container, regardless of the size of the container. This is due to the high kinetic energy of gas particles, which allows them to overcome intermolecular forces and move independently. 3. **Why Option C is Correct**: - Option C accurately describes the behavior of gases. When a gas is placed in a container, it will expand to fill the entire space available, demonstrating that it has no definite shape or volume. This characteristic is a fundamental property of gases and distinguishes them from solids and liquids. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect: - **Option A: Gases have a definite shape and volume.** - This statement is incorrect because gases do not have a definite shape or volume. Solids have a definite shape and volume, while liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container. Gases, on the other hand, lack both characteristics. - **Option B: Gases are incompressible and have a fixed volume.** - This option is also incorrect. Gases are compressible, meaning they can be compressed into a smaller volume when pressure is applied. They do not have a fixed volume; instead, they expand to fill the volume of their container. In contrast, solids and liquids are generally incompressible. - **Option D: Gases have stronger intermolecular forces than solids and liquids.** - This statement is false. In fact, gases have much weaker intermolecular forces compared to solids and liquids. In solids, particles are closely packed and held together by strong intermolecular forces, giving them a definite shape and volume. In liquids, the forces are weaker than in solids but still strong enough to maintain a definite volume. Gases, however, have very weak intermolecular forces, allowing particles to move freely and independently. ### Summary of Key Points: - Gases have no definite shape or volume; they fill the entire container they are in. - Gases are compressible, unlike solids and liquids, which are generally incompressible. - Gases have weaker intermolecular forces compared to solids and liquids, allowing for greater particle movement. - Understanding the properties of gases is crucial for distinguishing them from solids and liquids in chemistry.