The table below shows the volume of two samples, A and B, when placed in three containers of different volumes.
Volume of Sample
Volume of Container
Volume of Sample A
Volume of Sample B
500 cm3
500 cm3
180 cm3
380 cm3
380 cm3
180 cm3
220 cm3
220 cm3
180 cm3
Which of the following correctly describes the state of matter of one of the samples?
A is a solid because its volume is equal to the volume of the containers.
B is a gas because its volume is less than the volume of the containers.
B is a solid because it contracts as the containers change.
A is a gas because it contracts as the containers change.
I think its B but I'm not sure. Can someone help me?
did you get it right?
The correct answer is A is a gas because it contracts as the containers change- or D. Not B.
I think it is D
To determine the state of matter of the samples, we need to consider how their volumes change when placed in different containers.
From the table, we can see that the volume of Sample A remains constant at 180 cm3, regardless of the volume of the containers it is placed in. This indicates that Sample A does not change its volume with changes in the container size. Therefore, we cannot determine the state of matter of Sample A from the information given.
On the other hand, Sample B shows different volumes depending on the size of the containers. For example, when placed in a 500 cm3 container, Sample B has a volume of 380 cm3, whereas when placed in a 220 cm3 container, Sample B has a volume of 180 cm3. The volume of Sample B decreases as the container volume decreases. This suggests that Sample B contracts when placed in smaller containers.
Based on this information, we can conclude that Sample B is a gas. Gases are known to change their volume in response to changes in pressure and container size. Therefore, the correct answer is:
B is a gas because it contracts as the containers change.