? Ask these two, in this order
- <b>1. Does it keep its own shape</b> when you move it to another container?
- <b>2. Does it keep its own space</b> — is the amount the same?
- Nothing else is the test.
- <b>Pouring is not one of the questions.</b>
"Shape first. Then space."
S Solid
- Shape: <b>YES</b>
- Space: <b>YES</b>
- Definite shape and definite volume.
- Sand, salt and rice are solids that pour.
"It keeps both."
L Liquid
- Shape: <b>NO</b>
- Space: <b>YES</b>
- No definite shape; definite volume.
- The only state that answers no, then yes.
"New shape, same amount."
G Gas
- Shape: <b>NO</b>
- Space: <b>NO</b>
- No definite shape or volume — it fills what it is in.
- <b>Air still has mass.</b> Weigh two balloons.
"It fills whatever it is in."