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Which of the following statements correctly describes states of matter?

a. Solids are completely still with no vibration.
b. Solids have a rigid three-dimensional array of subatomic particles
c. Liquids have a definite shape.
d. A heavy gas settles to the bottom of a container due to gravity, but lighter gases occupy the entire volume of the container
e. Gases have a definite volume.

User Chelle
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Correctly describing states of matter, solids have a definite shape and volume due to a rigid structure, while liquids have a fixed volume but flow to assume the container's shape. Gases have no definite shape or volume and fill their containers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the given options, statement b correctly describes states of matter: Solids have a rigid three-dimensional array of subatomic particles. This means solids have a definite shape and volume. The particles are closely packed in a pattern and vibrate in place, but they do not move about freely.

Liquids, on the other hand, have a definite volume but take the shape of the container in which they are held. The individual particles in liquids are close enough to remain in contact with one another but can move and slide past one another, allowing liquids to flow.

Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. The particles in a gas move freely and rapidly in all directions, filling the entire volume of the container regardless of the gas's weight or density.

User Lopisan
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