Which state of matter has particles that move more freely past each other but aren't free to move far apart?

• A. Liquids
• B. Solids
• C. Gases
• D. Plasma

Answer: (A)

Particles in a liquid move enough to slide past one another, which lets the liquid flow and take the shape of its container while keeping a definite volume. They’re more free than in a solid, where particles mostly stay in fixed positions and only vibrate, but not as free as in a gas, where particles move far apart and fill the space. Plasma is a highly energized, ionized state similar to a gas. So the description fits liquids best because they balance enough freedom to move past neighbors with enough attraction to stay close together.