Question

select the correct answer.
a jar contains a certain substance. which observation would show that the substance must be either a solid or a liquid?
a. the substance has both mass and volume.
b. the particles of the substance are widely separated from each other.
c. the particles of the substance are not moving.
d. the substance is present in the bottom of the jar but not in the top.

Explanation:

To determine if a substance is a solid or liquid, we analyze each option:

• Option A: All matter (solid, liquid, gas) has mass and volume, so this doesn't distinguish solids/liquids from gases.
• Option B: Particles widely separated is a gas property, not solid/liquid.
• Option C: Particles in solids and liquids are in motion (vibrational for solids, translational for liquids), so this is incorrect.
• Option D: Solids and liquids have definite volume (unlike gases) and can settle (solids at bottom, liquids conform but if a solid is suspended or a liquid with solute settling, or a liquid with higher density at bottom). Gases fill the jar, so if substance is at bottom not top, it can't be gas, so must be solid/liquid.

Answer:

D. The substance is present in the bottom of the jar but not in the top.