Four students complete the table below, ranking states of matter by potential energy. Which student is correct?

Question

Student Name | Potential Energy Rating (lowest to highest)
Henry | gas, liquid, solid
Jasmine | gas, solid, liquid
Lucas | solid, gas, liquid
Tasha | solid, liquid, gas
A. Jasmine
B. Henry
C. Tasha
D. Lucas

Answer 1

To determine who is correct, we must understand the relationship between the states of matter and their potential energy.

In general, the potential energy of matter increases in the following order: solid < liquid < gas. This is because in solids, particles are closely packed and can only vibrate slightly, leading to lower potential energy. In liquids, the particles are more spread out and can move around each other, so the potential energy increases. In gases, the particles are far apart and move freely, resulting in the highest potential energy.

Based on this understanding, the correct ranking of states of matter by potential energy (from lowest to highest) would be:

1. Solid (lowest potential energy)
2. Liquid
3. Gas (highest potential energy)

Now let’s look at the students' rankings:

• Henry: gas, liquid, solid (incorrect)
• Jasmine: gas, solid, liquid (incorrect)
• Lucas: solid, gas, liquid (incorrect)
• Tasha: solid, liquid, gas (correct)

The correct answer is C. Tasha.