Question

Which option lists the substances in order from where particles are farthest apart to particles the closest together?

a- steam & hot water & cold water
b- maple sap & maple sugar & maple syrup
c- mercury liquid & bromine gas & astatine solid

Answer 1

The substances in order from where particles are farthest apart to particles the closest together are mercury liquid, bromine gas, and astatine solid.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order from particles that are farthest apart to particles that are closest together, the correct option is (c) mercury liquid & bromine gas & astatine solid. Here's why:

1. In a gas, particles are separated by large distances and move about freely, making them the farthest apart.
2. In a liquid, particles are still in close contact but can slide over one another. They are closer together than in a gas but not as close as in a solid.
3. In a solid, particles are always in close contact with neighboring particles, held in place by strong forces, making them the closest together.

Therefore, in option (c), mercury is a liquid and has particles that are relatively farthest apart, bromine is a gas and has particles that are closer together than in a liquid, and astatine is a solid with particles that are the closest together.