The three states of matter are modeled in the heating curve seen here. Identify ALL of the changes that must take place for a substance to change state, from a solid to a gas.

Responses
A Pressure increases.Pressure increases.
B Temperature increases.Temperature increases.
C Particles spread apart.Particles spread apart.
D Kinetic energy decreases.Kinetic energy decreases.
E Particle motion increases.

1 answer

To change a substance from a solid to a gas, several changes must occur. Here’s the breakdown of the options provided:

A. Pressure increases - This is not necessarily required for a solid to change to gas, as changing state can occur at constant pressure as well. So, this option is not correct.

B. Temperature increases - Yes, the temperature must increase to provide the energy necessary for the solid to transition to the gas state. This option is correct.

C. Particles spread apart - Yes, as a substance goes from solid (where particles are closely packed) to gas (where particles are much farther apart), they must spread apart. This option is correct.

D. Kinetic energy decreases - This is incorrect; the kinetic energy must increase for a solid to transition to a gas as the particles gain energy and move more rapidly.

E. Particle motion increases - Yes, this is true because as the particles gain energy (and as temperature increases), their motion increases significantly, facilitating the transition to a gas. This option is correct.

In summary, the correct responses for a substance to change state from solid to gas are B, C, and E.