Question

Which form of matter has no fixed shape but it has a fixed volume?
A.Krypton
B.Kerosene
C.Carbon steel
D.Oxygen

Answer 1

Hint: Solids are the substances that have fixed shape and volume. However, liquids are the only substances that have no fixed shape but have a fixed volume. So, to solve this question we need to know which one is liquid.

Complete step by step answer:
Basically, there are three states of matter i.e. solid, liquid and gas on the basis of intermolecular forces and the arrangement of particles. These three forms can be converted from one state of matter to another by changing certain environmental factors. For example, ice can be converted from solid into liquid water by increasing the temperature.
Now, the solid state is one of the fundamental states of matter. They differ from liquids and gases by the characteristic of rigidity. Basically, the molecules of solids are tightly packed because of strong intermolecular forces. They have definite shape and fixed volume. In case of liquids, there is no definite shape but they have fixed volume. The molecules in liquid are closely packed due to weak intermolecular forces. These forces are weaker than solids but stronger than gases. Generally, the density of liquids lies between the density of solids and gases. Moreover, in case of gases, there is neither fixed shape nor volume. The intermolecular forces experienced between them are negligible.
Therefore, among the given options, Kerosene is the only liquid and it has no fixed shape but has fixed volume. Krypton and oxygen are gases while carbon steel is solid.

Hence, option B is correct.

Note: Matter is composed of small particles like atoms. These atoms are so small and you can’t see them and further, these atoms come together to make up the substance you see in everyday life. Moreover, other states such as plasma, Bose- Einstein condensate and neutron stars may be present in extreme environments.