Rita has two small containers, one holding a liquid and one holding a gas. Rita transfers the substances to two larger containers. Compare the behavior of the atoms in the liquid and in the gas once they are moved to the larger containers.

Answer 1

In the liquid, the atoms are closely packed together and have strong intermolecular forces. They can vibrate and move around, but they cannot easily escape the container. The liquid maintains its volume and takes the shape of the container it is in.

In the gas, the atoms are more spread out and have weak intermolecular forces. They move freely and rapidly in all directions, constantly colliding with each other and the walls of the container. The gas expands to fill the entire volume of the container and does not have a fixed shape or volume.

In summary, the atoms in the liquid are more closely packed and have stronger intermolecular forces, while in the gas, the atoms are more spread out and have weaker intermolecular forces.