three grams of the same substance in different phases are stored in three different containers. each…

three grams of the same substance in different phases are stored in three different containers. each container is barely large enough to hold the substance.\nwhich statement can be known about the behavior of the atoms in each container?\n○ the atoms in the solid would be moving vigorously around the container.\n○ the atoms in the liquid would be vibrating in position.\n○ the atoms in the solid would be vibrating in position.\n○ the atoms in the gas would be moving slowly around the container.
Answer
Brief Explanations:
To solve this, we recall the atomic behavior in different phases:
- In solids, atoms vibrate in fixed positions (due to strong intermolecular forces, giving a definite shape/volume).
- In liquids, atoms move more freely (can slide past each other, definite volume but no definite shape).
- In gases, atoms move vigorously and rapidly (weak intermolecular forces, fill the container, move freely).
Now analyze each option:
- "The atoms in the solid would be moving vigorously around the container." → Incorrect. Solids’ atoms vibrate in position, not move vigorously.
- "The atoms in the liquid would be vibrating in position." → Incorrect. Liquids’ atoms move more freely (slide), not vibrate in position (that’s solids).
- "The atoms in the solid would be vibrating in position." → Correct. Matches solid atomic behavior.
- "The atoms in the gas would be moving slowly around the container." → Incorrect. Gas atoms move rapidly/vigorously.
Answer:
C. The atoms in the solid would be vibrating in position.