Liquid vs. Gas: What's the Difference?
Read the comparison below, or explore it visually. Create a visual lesson comparing liquid and gas using available credits or plan allowance.
Both flow, but they differ in how their particles are spaced and whether they keep a fixed volume. In a liquid, particles are close together, so it keeps a fixed volume and just changes shape to fit its container. In a gas, particles are far apart and move freely, so it has no fixed volume — it spreads out to fill any space and can be squeezed into a smaller one. Heat a liquid enough and it boils into a gas.
At a glance
| Liquid | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Fixed | No fixed volume — fills the space |
| Shape | Takes its container's shape | Fills the whole container |
| Particles | Close together | Far apart, moving fast |
| Compressible? | Almost not at all | Easily compressed |
| Example | Water | Steam / air |
Which should you use?
It's a liquid when it keeps a fixed volume and pools at the bottom of its container — like water in a glass.
It's a gas when it spreads out to fill all the space available and can be compressed — like air or steam.