Question

Elaborate on the reason(s) that matter is said to move even as in a solid state.

A) The particles are bound through intermolecular forces but are able to move past each other with relative freedom.
B) The particles have sufficient energy to become an ionized gas and are in the most common state of matter in the universe.
C) The particles are not able to move out of their positions relative to one another, but do have small vibrational movements.
D) The particles are not bound to one another, move quickly, have a low density, and are able to spread apart from one another if unconstrained.


Brad and Matt are working in the lab. They noticed that when they mixed two dilute solutions together, the reaction between them happened very slowly. Which of Matt's suggestions would BEST help to increase the rate of this reaction?

A) increase the concentration of both solutions
B) decrease the concentration of both solutions
C) increase the concentration of one of the solutions
D) decrease the concentration of one of the solutions


Identify the correct order of increasing intermolecular force of attraction for the three most common states of matter.
A) liquid → solid → gas
B) solid → liquid → gas
C) gas → liquid → solid
D) gas → solid → liquid

Answer 1

1) The correct answer is
C) The particles are not able to move out of their positions relative to one another, but do have small vibrational movements.
In solids, in fact, particles are bound together so they cannot move freely. However, they can move around their fixed position with small vibrational movements, whose intensity depends on the temperature of the substance (the higher the temperature, the more intense the vibrations). For this reason, we say that matter moves also in solid state.

2) The correct answer is
A) increase the concentration of both solutions
In fact, when we increase the concentration of both solutions, we increase the number of particles that react in both solutions; as a result, the speed of the reaction will increase.

3) The correct answer is
C) gas → liquid → solid
In gases, in fact, particles are basically free to move, so the intermolecular forces of attraction are almost negligible. In liquids, particles are still able to move, however the intermolecular forces of attraction are stronger than in gases. Finally, in solids, particles are bound together, so they are not free to move and the intermolecular forces of attraction are very strong.