What describes a solid state of matter?

The solid state of matter is characterized by strong bonds between particles. In solids, particles are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement. These strong intermolecular forces or bonds keep the particles in place, which gives solids a definite shape and volume. Unlike other states of matter, such as liquids or gases, the particles in a solid do not have the freedom to move around freely. Instead, they can only vibrate in place.

This strong bonding contrasts sharply with liquids, where the bonds are weaker allowing the particles to flow past one another, or with gases, where there are essentially no significant bonds between the particles, allowing them to move rapidly and fill their container. Hence, the nature of the bonds in solids is what distinctly defines their structural and physical characteristics.