To determine which student's ranking of potential energy for the states of matter (gas, liquid, solid) is correct, we need to understand how potential energy typically varies among these states.
Generally, the potential energy of states of matter increases from solid to liquid to gas:
- Solid: Molecules are closely packed in a fixed structure. The potential energy is relatively low because the molecules are held in place by strong intermolecular forces.
- Liquid: Molecules are still close together but can move past one another. The potential energy is higher than in solids due to the increased distance between molecules as they move more freely.
- Gas: Molecules are far apart and move independently. The potential energy is highest here because the molecules are at a greater average distance from each other.
Now, let's look at the rankings provided by each student:
- Henry: gas, liquid, solid (this is incorrect because gas should have the highest potential energy, not the lowest)
- Jasmine: gas, solid, liquid (this is incorrect because gas should be the highest and liquid should be in the middle)
- Lucas: solid, gas, liquid (this is incorrect because gas should come after solid and before liquid in terms of increasing potential energy)
- Tasha: solid, liquid, gas (this is correct because it reflects the correct order of increasing potential energy)
Based on the conventional understanding of potential energy in states of matter, Tasha is the correct student.