Ground flax seed occupies about 30% more volume than whole flax due to its fibrous and spongy texture, which prevents efficient packing compared to the smooth, hard whole seeds. When ground, the flax seed particles can expand and create voids, leading to a less compact arrangement. Despite the finer particle size, the irregular shapes of ground flax prevent it from settling into a denser configuration. The discussion also touches on the concept of angle of repose, suggesting that ground flax may have a steeper angle due to increased surface stickiness. Overall, the packing efficiency of ground flax is influenced by its physical properties rather than just particle size.