Liquid - GCSE Chemistry Definition

A liquid is a state of matter that has a fixed volume but no fixed shape, meaning it can flow and take the shape of the container it is in. Unlike solids, the particles in a liquid are not tightly packed but are close enough to keep a consistent volume while allowing movement. This movement gives liquids the ability to flow easily. Also, liquids have surface tension, which is why you can sometimes see a drop of water sitting on a surface like a little dome. In chemistry, understanding liquids is important for concepts like dissolving, where substances mix with liquids, and for learning how temperature changes can turn liquids into gases or solids.