Question

A student drew a representation of the atoms of a solid. The illustration shows closely packed atoms vibrating, but remaining in the same relative positions. Which of the following changes must the student make to the illustration to accurately represent the same substance in the liquid phase?

a) Increase the distance between the atoms
b) Decrease the distance between the atoms
c) Show the atoms moving farther apart
d) Depict the atoms in a random arrangement

Answer 1

To illustrate a substance in the liquid phase, the atoms should be depicted in a random arrangement, reflecting more energy and the ability to slide over one another while remaining in close contact.

Step-by-step explanation:

To accurately represent the same substance in the liquid phase, the student should make the following change to the illustration: Depict the atoms in a random arrangement where they can slide over one another but are still in close contact. In the liquid phase, atoms or molecules have more energy than in the solid phase, allowing them to partially overcome the intermolecular forces that hold them in fixed positions. However, these forces in a liquid are still strong enough to keep the particles together, maintaining a definite volume while allowing the substance to flow and take the shape of its container.

Particles in a solid vibrate about fixed positions and do not generally move in relation to one another; in contrast, particles in a liquid move past each other but remain in essentially constant contact. Therefore, illustrating atoms in a liquid as being in a random arrangement while close together reflects intermolecular attraction and the liquid's ability to flow.