Which statement best describes a solid's volume?

Which statement best describes a solid's volume?

• A. Variable volume
• B. Constant volume
• C. Indefinite volume
• D. Expansive volume

Answer: (B)

A solid keeps a definite amount of space it occupies, no matter what shape its container has. The particles in a solid are packed tightly and vibrate in place, so the overall volume stays essentially the same. That makes a solid have constant volume under normal conditions. In contrast, gases readily change their volume with pressure and temperature, and liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container. Expansive volume isn’t a standard way to describe how solids behave. So constant volume is the best description for a solid.

A solid keeps a definite amount of space it occupies, no matter what shape its container has. The particles in a solid are packed tightly and vibrate in place, so the overall volume stays essentially the same. That makes a solid have constant volume under normal conditions. In contrast, gases readily change their volume with pressure and temperature, and liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container. Expansive volume isn’t a standard way to describe how solids behave. So constant volume is the best description for a solid.