In which state of matter do the particles spread apart and fill all the space available to them? A. Solid C. liquid D. crystal
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is none of the options listed (A, C, or D) exactly match the correct state, but the intended correct choice based on the question is gas. Since gas is not among the options, the best fit is to clarify the states:
- A. Solid
- C. Liquid
- D. Crystal
Among these, none describe particles spreading apart and filling all the space available — that behavior is characteristic of a gas, which is missing from the options.
Explanation:
Matter exists in different states based on how particles are arranged and move. The main states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. In a solid, particles are tightly packed in a fixed, orderly arrangement. They vibrate but do not move from their fixed positions, so solids have a definite shape and volume.
In a liquid, particles are close together but not fixed in position. They can slide past each other, allowing liquids to flow and take the shape of their container. Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape. However, the particles in liquids do not spread out to fill all the space available; they remain close together.
A crystal is a special kind of solid with an ordered repeating structure of particles, such as salt or diamonds. Crystals have fixed shapes and volumes like solids.
The state of matter where particles spread apart and fill all available space is a gas. In gases, particles move freely and rapidly, with large spaces between them. This allows gases to expand and completely fill any container, regardless of its size or shape. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume; instead, their volume depends on the container.
Therefore, if the question asks about particles spreading apart and filling all available space, the correct answer is gas, which unfortunately is not listed. Between the choices given, none fit this description, but it is important to understand that this behavior is a defining property of gases.