Question

The table shows the boiling and melting points of four metals. The metals are sealed in a vacuum chamber at a temperature of 500°C.

Metal Boiling Point (°C) Melting Point (°C)
cadmium 767 321
magnesium 1090 650
potassium 760 64
zinc 910 420

What will happen to the metals when the temperature in the chamber is increased to 800°C?

The particles in the cadmium and zinc will slow down and move closer together as the substances change into solids.

The particles in the potassium and zinc will excite and move closer together as the substances change into liquids

The particles in the cadmium and potassium will excite and move farther apart as the substances change into gases.

The particles in the magnesium and cadmium will slow down and move farther apart as the substances change into gases.
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Answer 1

The third option.

Both cadmium (bp 767°C) and potassium (bp 760°C) have boiling points below 800°C, so they will vaporize — their particles gain energy (excite) and move farther apart. (For completeness: magnesium will be liquid at 800°C and zinc will remain liquid.)