What Determines the Solidity and Texture of Objects?

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The solidity and texture of objects are determined by their molecular structure and the electrostatic forces between atoms. Although atoms are mostly empty space, these forces prevent them from physically touching. Different states of matter, such as solids and liquids, arise from how molecules are arranged and interact. For instance, metals have a rigid crystalline structure, while water molecules can move freely, resulting in a liquid state. Understanding these principles explains why objects appear solid and exhibit various textures.
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Please can anyone explain to me why things appear solid and the texture of things. Given that everything consists of atoms which are 99.999+% of empty space.
 
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Electrostatic forces keep things from actually "touching" each other. Solid/liquid and the various textures of things are a result of the molecular structure of objects. Metals, for example, have a crystalline structure that is very rigid at room temperatures whereas water molecules slide freely around each other.
 

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