Question

Select the statement that accurately characterizes what determines the state of matter for a substance.

a) The volume of the substance.
b) The mass of the particles of the substance.
c) The shape of the substance.
d) The arrangement of the particles.

Answer 1

The state of matter for a substance is determined by the arrangement of the particles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The state of matter for a substance is determined by the arrangement of the particles.

In a

solid

, the particles are close together and fixed into place, resulting in a definite shape and volume. In a

liquid

, the particles are still close together but can move freely, leading to a definite volume but no definite shape. In a

gas

, the particles are far apart from each other and move freely, resulting in a variable volume and shape. The

volume of the substance

(option a) and the

shape of the substance

(option c) are not accurate determinants of the state of matter for a substance. The mass of the particles (option b) can vary but does not determine the state of matter.