Four students rank the potential energies of some states of matter. Which student is correct?
To determine which student is correct, we must first consider the typical ranking of potential energy in the different states of matter. Generally, potential energy is related to the degree of interaction between particles in a substance. Here's a brief outline of potential energy in different states of matter:
1. Solid: In a solid, particles are tightly packed together in a fixed arrangement. They have the least amount of kinetic energy but have significant potential energy due to their stable and fixed positions within the structure.
2. Liquid: In a liquid, particles are still close together but not in a fixed arrangement. They can move past one another, which means they have more kinetic energy and less potential energy than the particles in a solid.
3. Gas: In a gas, the particles are far apart and move independently of one another. They have the most kinetic energy and the least potential energy because the interactions between particles are minimal.
Thus, the typical ranking of potential energies from highest to lowest in different states of matter is as follows:
Solid > Liquid > Gas
To answer which student is correct, you would need to compare their rankings with this general guideline. Since I don't have the students' rankings, I can't specifically state which student is correct. However, the student with the ranking that aligns with the typical potential energy levels as mentioned above would be the one who is correct.