Question

How are molecules in the solid state described?

O a
Ob
O
Molecules flow past one another, but stay close to each other.
Molecules have very little attraction and are in constant random motion.
Molecules vibrate in fixed positions.

Answer 1

First, let’s examine the movement of molecules in each state: solid, liquid, and gas.

In a solid, molecules are packed together tightly and held together by intermolecular forces that form a rigid lattice structure. Each molecule vibrates, but cannot move.

In a liquid, there is more space between the molecules so the intermolecular forces between molecules in the substance are not as strong as those of a solid, but still contribute to some attraction between species. Molecules slide over and past one another, coming into contact occasionally.

In a gas, there is lots of space between molecules and they have high kinetic energy. Gas molecules continuously move and the intermolecular forces between these molecules are essentially negligible.

Therefore, the answer is C, molecules vibrate in fixed positions!