The table below shows the volume of two samples, a and b, when placed in three containers of different volumes. volume of sample volume of container volume of sample a volume of sample b 500 cm3 500 cm3 180 cm3 380 cm3 380 cm3 180 cm3 220 cm3 220 cm3 180 cm3 which of the following correctly describes the state of matter of one of the samples? a is a solid because its volume is equal to the volume of the containers. b is a gas because its volume is less than the volume of the containers. b is a solid because it contracts as the containers change. a is a gas because it contracts as the containers change.