Question

question 26 of 30
how do forces between particles in gases compare to forces in the other states of matter?

a. the forces in gases are stronger than forces in solids but weaker than forces in liquids.

b. the forces in gases are weaker than forces in solids but stronger than forces in liquids.

c. the forces in gases are stronger than forces in solids and liquids.

d. the forces in gases are weaker than forces in solids and liquids.

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall the particle theory of matter: In solids, particles are closely packed with strong intermolecular forces (holding them in fixed positions). In liquids, particles are closer than in gases, with intermolecular forces weaker than solids but stronger than gases (allowing them to flow but have a definite volume). In gases, particles are far apart, and intermolecular forces are very weak (allowing them to move freely and fill the container).

• Option A: Gases have weaker forces than liquids, so A is wrong.
• Option B: Gases have weaker forces than both solids and liquids, not stronger than liquids, so B is wrong.
• Option C: Gases have weaker forces than solids and liquids, not stronger than both, so C is wrong.
• Option D: This matches the particle theory—gases have weaker intermolecular forces than solids (where forces are strongest) and liquids (where forces are stronger than gases but weaker than solids).

Answer:

D. The forces in gases are weaker than forces in solids and liquids.