To determine which student's ranking of potential energy is correct, we need to consider the general properties of the states of matter.
- Gas has the highest potential energy because the particles are far apart and have more energy to move freely.
- Liquid has intermediate potential energy; the particles are closer together than in a gas but still have some energy to move around.
- Solid has the lowest potential energy as the particles are tightly packed and have the least energy to move.
Based on this understanding of potential energy in different states of matter, the correct ranking from lowest to highest potential energy should be solid < liquid < gas.
Now let's analyze each student's ranking:
- Henry: gas, liquid, solid (incorrect)
- Jasmine: gas, solid, liquid (incorrect)
- Lucas: solid, gas, liquid (incorrect)
- Tasha: solid, liquid, gas (correct)
Therefore, the student who is correct is Tasha.