A gaseous substance lacks a fixed form and does not maintain a specific spatial arrangement. Its constituent particles, such as atoms or molecules, move freely and are not bound by strong intermolecular forces. As a result, a gas will expand to fill any available volume, taking on the shape of its container. For example, if a quantity of helium is released into a balloon, the helium will distribute itself uniformly throughout the balloon, conforming to the balloon’s form.
Understanding this characteristic is fundamental in numerous scientific and engineering disciplines. In chemistry, it governs reaction kinetics and the behavior of gases under varying conditions of temperature and pressure. In physics, it is essential for understanding thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. Historically, the study of gaseous behavior has led to significant advancements in areas like internal combustion engines and weather forecasting.