Question

Which of the following correctly arranges the physical states of matter (gas - g, solid - s, liquid - l) in order of increasing energy of the particles (lowest to highest)?

a. g < l < s

b. g < s < l

c. l < g < s

d. s < l < g

Answer 1

The correct arrangement of the physical states of matter in order of increasing energy of the particles is 'solid < liquid < gas', corresponding to option 'd'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physical states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—have different levels of energy for the particles they are composed of. For solids, particles are closely packed together in a fixed position but can vibrate. This represents the least energetic state. Liquids have particles that are still in close contact but can move relative to each other, which suggests an increase in energy. Gases have particles with the most energy, as they are far apart from each other and move freely. Therefore, when arranging the states of matter from lowest to highest energy of the particles, the correct order is solid < liquid < gas.

Given this understanding, the correct answer to the student's question would be 'd. s < l < g'.