# Explain why a liquid has a fixed volume but can change its shape to fill the bottom of any container it is placed in.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 1.1 States of matter · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Particles in a liquid are close together / touching / in contact with each other, so the volume is fixed / cannot be compressed
2. The intermolecular forces in a liquid are strong enough to hold particles at a similar distance from one another (preventing expansion/compression), giving a fixed volume
3. Particles in a liquid are able to move / flow / slide past each other
4. Because particles can move/flow past each other, the liquid takes the shape of its container (fills the bottom)

## Key terms

- [liquid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/liquid)
- [fixed volume](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fixed-volume)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-liquid-has-a-5f745c96) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.