The student’s descriptions of the motion of particles in each of the four different states of matter can be matched to the states as follows:
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State 1: This description likely refers to plasma. In a plasma, particles are charged (ions and electrons) and they move freely. Plasma is often found in stars, including the sun, where temperatures are high enough to ionize gases.
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State 2: This description fits gas. In a gas, particles move freely and at high speeds. They are relatively far apart compared to liquids and solids, allowing them to collide with one another and fill the container they are in.
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State 3: This description corresponds to solid. In a solid, particles are tightly packed and locked in place, unable to move freely. They can vibrate in place but do not have the freedom to move around like particles in a liquid or gas.
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State 4: This description describes liquid. In a liquid, particles are close together but can slide past one another, allowing liquids to flow and take the shape of their container while maintaining a definite volume.
In summary:
- State 1: Plasma
- State 2: Gas
- State 3: Solid
- State 4: Liquid