How do gases compare to solids and liquids in terms of shape?

Gases take the shape of their container because their particles are in constant motion and are widely spaced apart, allowing them to fill the available space. In contrast to solids, which have a definite shape due to their closely packed particles that vibrate in place, and liquids, which have a definite volume but can flow and take the shape of the container they are in, gases do not have a fixed volume or shape. This property allows gases to expand and contract based on the limits of their containers, which is why this characteristic is the defining aspect of gases in comparison to solids and liquids. The behavior of gases is directly influenced by temperature and pressure, leading to further variability in how they occupy space.