Use the table to answer the question.

Question

Student Name Potential Energy Rating (lowest to highest)
Henry gas, liquid, solid
Jasmine gas, solid, liquid
Lucas solid, gas, liquid
Tasha solid, liquid, gas
Four students rank the potential energies of some states of matter. Which student is correct?

(1 point)
Responses

Henry
Henry

Lucas
Lucas

Tasha
Tasha

Jasmine
Jasmine

Answer 1

To assess which student is correct in ranking the states of matter by potential energy (from lowest to highest), we need to understand the general order of potential energy for gases, liquids, and solids.

In general, the ranking of potential energy from lowest to highest is as follows:

• Solid: Lowest potential energy (particles are closely packed, strong intermolecular forces)
• Liquid: Intermediate potential energy (particles are less tightly packed than solids, weaker intermolecular forces)
• Gas: Highest potential energy (particles are far apart, very weak intermolecular forces)

Let's review the rankings of each student:

• Henry: gas, liquid, solid (This is incorrect)
• Jasmine: gas, solid, liquid (This is incorrect)
• Lucas: solid, gas, liquid (This is incorrect)
• Tasha: solid, liquid, gas (This is correct)

Based on this information, the correct student is Tasha.