The pictures represent three different states of matter.

Question

Which order of pictures places molecules with the most amount of motion to the least amount of motion?

X → Y → Z
Z → Y → X
Y → Z → X
Y → X → Z

Answer 1

In the context of the states of matter, the order of molecular motion typically follows this pattern:

• Gas (most motion): Molecules are far apart and move freely and rapidly.
• Liquid (moderate motion): Molecules are closer together than in gases but can still slide past one another, allowing for some motion.
• Solid (least motion): Molecules are tightly packed in a fixed structure and vibrate in place.

Based on this understanding, the correct order of pictures placing molecules from the most motion to the least is:

X → Y → Z, assuming:

• X represents gas,
• Y represents liquid,
• Z represents solid.

Therefore, the answer is X → Y → Z.