Question

which statement best describes the atoms in a gas? they vibrate in place. they stay in a fixed position. they are closely packed. they move freely in all directions.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about atoms in a gas, we analyze the properties of each state of matter:

• "They vibrate in place" describes atoms in a solid (they have fixed positions but vibrate).
• "They stay in a fixed position" is also a property of solids.
• "They are closely packed" is true for solids and liquids (gases have atoms with large spaces between them).
• "They move freely in all directions" matches the properties of gases, where atoms have high kinetic energy, move rapidly, and are not confined to fixed positions or close packing.

Answer:

D. They move freely in all directions.