# Explain why a substance in the liquid state can flow and take the shape of its container, but a substance in the solid state cannot.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 1.1 States of matter · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a liquid, particles are close together but able to move/slide past each other
2. This allows a liquid to flow and adopt the shape of its container
3. In a solid, particles are held in fixed positions / a regular lattice by strong forces between them
4. Because solid particles can only vibrate about their fixed positions, they cannot flow or change shape

## Key terms

- [liquid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/liquid)
- [solid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/solid)
- [flow](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/flow)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](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-substance-in-the-de424765) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.