Liquids adapt shape but maintain volume

Steps:

• Recall states of matter properties: solids have fixed shape and volume; liquids flow to fit containers but resist compression; gases expand to fill space.
• At constant temperature, focus on liquid behavior without phase changes.
• Liquids have intermolecular forces strong enough for fixed volume but weak for fixed shape.
• Match to options: not fixed shape (takes container form), fixed volume (definite amount).

Why B is correct:

• Liquids have definite volume due to cohesive forces but no fixed shape, conforming to container boundaries per kinetic molecular theory.

Why the others are wrong:

• A describes solids, with rigid structure.
• C mismatches liquids; fixed shape applies to solids, variable volume to gases under pressure changes.
• D describes gases, which expand freely.

Final answer: B