Question

Use particle theory to explain why the shape of a piece of metal in its solid state does not change when you press it hard.

Answer 1

When something (a piece of metal, in this case) is in it’s solid state, the particles are packed together to help it hold its shape, therefore it won’t easily bend. If it was melted into a liquid state, the particles would be allowed to move around freely, because liquid matter is made up of more loosely packed particles.