What physical state is characterized by a definite shape and volume?

The state of matter characterized by a definite shape and volume is solid. In this physical state, the particles are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement, which gives solids their rigid structure. This close packing allows solids to maintain a specific shape without needing a container, unlike liquids and gases, which conform to the shape of their containers. The particles in a solid vibrate but do not move freely, contributing to the solid’s definite volume as well. This clear understanding of the properties of solids helps in distinguishing them from other states, such as liquids that have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container, or gases that do not have a definite shape or volume at all.