How do solids behave compared to liquids and gases in terms of volume and shape?

Solids are characterized by having both a fixed volume and a fixed shape. This behavior is due to the closely packed arrangement of particles in a solid, which allows them to maintain their shape and size without the influence of external factors. The particles in a solid vibrate in place but do not move freely, which prevents the solid from changing its form or compressing easily.

In contrast, liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container, meaning their shape can change but their volume remains constant. Gases, on the other hand, have neither a fixed volume nor a fixed shape; they expand to fill their container completely.

Therefore, the correct answer encompasses the definite properties of solids while clearly distinguishing them from the behavior of liquids and gases.