A deep-space planetary probe collects a mysterious pure substance from an exoplanet atmosphere and introduces it into a variable-volume test cylinder. When the cylinder's volume is expanded, the substance immediately disperses to occupy the entire interior evenly, and when external pressure is applied via a piston, its volume decreases significantly. Based on particle arrangement and bulk behavior, which statement correctly identifies the state of this substance and describes its microscopic behavior?

A) It is in the liquid state because its particles remain in contact while sliding past one another to fill the entire container volume.

B) It is in the gaseous state because its particles are separated by large empty spaces and move freely to fill any available volume.

C) It is in the solid state because its particles are locked in fixed positions that readily compress under applied pressure.

D) It is in the liquid state because it takes the shape of the container while maintaining a fixed distance between adjacent particles.

States of matter Original Scenario-Based Download PDF

Chemistry · Matter · Chemistry · Properties & Changes of Matter

1 Chemistry practice questions on States of matter. Questions built around original scenarios.

Matter · Chemistry

Choose a topic and keep learning.