Question

Which model, particle or continuous, better matches observations of liquids and gases?

A) The particle model
B) The continuous model
C) Both are correct
D) None of the above

Answer 1

The particle model, which accounts for individual atoms and molecules and their interactions, is more accurate for representing the behavior of liquids and gases as compared to the continuous model.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which model better matches observations of liquids and gases between the particle model and the continuous model. Particle models and continuous models are two ways to explain the behavior of matter on different scales. In the context of high school chemistry, the particle model provides a more accurate representation of the behavior of liquids and gases because it accounts for the individual particles (atoms or molecules) and their interactions. Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape, gas particles move independently and have no definite volume, and in both states, the particles are in motion, with gases having lots of empty space between particles and liquids having particles that are close together but not in a fixed arrangement.