Which of the following describes the three states of matter?

The description of the three states of matter is accurately captured by the choice that outlines solids as having a definite shape and volume, liquids as having a definite volume but no definite shape, and gases as having neither a definite shape nor volume.

In solids, the closely packed particles maintain their positions, resulting in a fixed shape and volume. Liquids, on the other hand, have particles that are still closely packed but can move around each other, allowing liquids to take the shape of their container while retaining a consistent volume. Finally, gases consist of particles that are far apart and move freely, which means gases can expand to fill the entire volume of a container, resulting in neither a definite shape nor a definite volume.

This classification encompasses the fundamental characteristics of each state, highlighting the differences in particle arrangement and behavior that define solid, liquid, and gas states.