The state of matter with particles that are close together but can slide past one another is a liquid.

Quick Scoop

  • In a liquid , particles are still close together, so the liquid has a definite volume.
  • These particles have enough energy to move around and slide past each other, which lets liquids flow and take the shape of their container.
  • In contrast, particles in a solid only vibrate in place, and particles in a gas are very far apart and move freely.

So, if you see a description like “particles close together that can slide past one another,” it is describing a liquid.

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Learn which state of matter has particles that are close together but can slide past one another, plus a quick explanation of how solids, liquids, and gases differ at the particle level.

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