Question

Four students complete the table below, ranking states of matter by potential energy. Which student is correct?

Student name Potential energy rating (lowest to highest)
Henry Henry: Gas liquid solid
Jasmine Jasmine: Gas solid liquid
Lucas Lucas: Solid, gas, liquid
Tasha Tasha solid, liquid, gas

Answer 1

To determine which student is correct in ranking states of matter by potential energy, we need to understand the general properties of potential energy in solids, liquids, and gases.

1. **Solids**: Particles are closely packed, and the potential energy is relatively low because the particles are in fixed positions and can only vibrate around those positions.
2. **Liquids**: Particles are still close together but can move past one another, giving them more potential energy than solids.
3. **Gases**: Particles are far apart and move freely, giving them the highest potential energy compared to solids and liquids.

Based on this understanding, the correct ranking of states of matter from lowest to highest potential energy is:

- Solid (lowest potential energy)
- Liquid (medium potential energy)
- Gas (highest potential energy)

This means that the correct rating is: Solid, Liquid, Gas.

Now, let’s evaluate each student’s ranking:

- **Henry**: Gas, Liquid, Solid (Incorrect)
- **Jasmine**: Gas, Solid, Liquid (Incorrect)
- **Lucas**: Solid, Gas, Liquid (Incorrect)
- **Tasha**: Solid, Liquid, Gas (Correct)

Therefore, the correct student is **Tasha** with the ranking of solid, liquid, gas.