Which property is characteristic of liquids?

The characteristic property of liquids is that they have no fixed shape but have a fixed volume. This means that a liquid will take the shape of the container it is placed in, conforming to the boundaries of that container, but it will occupy a consistent volume regardless of the shape of the container.

In contrast, solids have a fixed shape and volume, allowing them to maintain their form without needing to occupy any specific container. Gases, on the other hand, have neither fixed shape nor fixed volume, expanding to fill their containers. Thus, having a defined volume but adaptable shape is unique to liquids, highlighting their ability to flow while retaining a consistent quantity or amount.