Why do solids resist changes in shape under normal conditions?

Solids resist changes in shape under normal conditions due to their tightly packed, fixed arrangement of particles.

In more detail, the particles in a solid are arranged in a fixed, regular pattern. This is unlike gases and liquids where the particles are free to move around. The particles in a solid are held together by strong intermolecular forces, which are the forces of attraction between the particles. These forces are so strong that the particles can only vibrate about their fixed positions and cannot move freely. This is why solids have a definite shape and volume.

The resistance to change in shape is also due to the fact that the particles in a solid are very close together. This close proximity means that there is very little space into which the particles can move. As a result, when a force is applied to a solid, the particles are unable to move far from their fixed positions. This means that the shape of the solid does not change easily.

Furthermore, the type of particles in a solid and the way they are arranged can also affect how much a solid resists changes in shape. For example, metals, which have a regular arrangement of closely packed atoms, are generally more resistant to changes in shape than non-metals. This is because the metallic bonding in metals is very strong, which makes it difficult for the atoms to move out of their fixed positions.

In summary, the resistance of solids to changes in shape under normal conditions is due to the fixed, regular arrangement of their particles, the strong intermolecular forces holding these particles together, and the close proximity of the particles.