To determine which student is correct about the potential energy of the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas), we need to recall that potential energy is associated with the arrangement of particles in each state:
- Solid: Particles are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement, resulting in lower potential energy.
- Liquid: Particles are still close together but can move past one another, leading to higher potential energy than solids but lower than gases.
- Gas: Particles are far apart and move freely, resulting in the highest potential energy.
Based on this information, the correct ranking from lowest to highest potential energy should be:
- Solid (lowest)
- Liquid
- Gas (highest)
Looking at the students' rankings:
- Henry: gas, liquid, solid (incorrect)
- Jasmine: gas, solid, liquid (incorrect)
- Lucas: solid, gas, liquid (incorrect)
- Tasha: solid, liquid, gas (correct)
Thus, Tasha is the correct student.