JAMB - Chemistry (2000 - No. 8)
The fundamental difference between the three states of matter is the
shape of their particles
number of particles in each state
shape of the container they occupy
degree of movement of their particles
Vysvetlenie
The fundamental difference between the three states of matter is their degree of movement, gaseous particles are very loosely packed hence they can move about easily. The particles of solids are closely packed so solids only make vibrational movement, while liquid particles can move past each other because their particles are not as closely packed as those of solids.