To rank the potential energies of different states of matter, we can consider the arrangement and interactions of particles in each state.
In general:
- Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, resulting in relatively high kinetic energy but low potential energy due to weak intermolecular forces.
- Liquids have particles that are closer together than in gases, which leads to stronger intermolecular forces, resulting in higher potential energy than gases but lower than solids.
- Solids have particles that are closely packed and fixed in place, resulting in the highest potential energy due to the strong intermolecular forces maintaining their fixed positions.
Based on this understanding, the ranking of potential energies from lowest to highest would be:
- Gas (lowest potential energy)
- Liquid (medium potential energy)
- Solid (highest potential energy)
Looking at the students' rankings:
a. Henry (gas, liquid, solid) - Correct b. Jasmine (gas, solid, liquid) - Incorrect c. Lucas (solid, gas, liquid) - Incorrect d. Tasha (solid, liquid, gas) - Incorrect
So, the correct ranking is given by Henry: gas, liquid, solid.