To determine which student is correct in ranking states of matter by their potential energy, we need to understand the general properties of solid, liquid, and gas:
- Solids: Particles are tightly packed and have a fixed structure, which means they have the lowest potential energy due to the strong intermolecular forces.
- Liquids: Particles are less tightly packed than in solids and can move around, resulting in moderate potential energy, which is higher than that of solids but lower than gases.
- Gases: Particles are far apart and move freely, leading to the highest potential energy because the intermolecular forces are the weakest.
Based on this understanding, the correct ranking of states of matter by potential energy, from lowest to highest, would be:
- Solid (lowest potential energy)
- Liquid
- Gas (highest potential energy)
Please specify how the students ranked the states of matter so I can identify which student is correct.
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