Density describes how much mass is contained in a certain volume. Knowing how far apart molecules are in each state, which best ranks solids, liquids, and gasses from least dense to most dense?

Question

Gasses are denser than liquids.
Liquids are denser than solids.
Gasses are less dense than solids.
Solids are less dense than liquids.

Answer 1

The correct ranking of solids, liquids, and gases based on density is:

Gases are less dense than liquids.
Liquids are less dense than solids.

To clarify, typically:

• Gases are the least dense because the molecules are far apart and move freely.
• Liquids have a higher density than gases because their molecules are closer together, but still not as tightly packed as in solids.
• Solids usually have the highest density since their molecules are tightly packed together in a fixed structure.

So, the best option from your statements would be "Gasses are less dense than solids." if rephrased to compare gases to solids directly along with the proper context.