A student investigates three pure substances, P, Q, and R, kept at 25 °C in separate sealed, transparent containers equipped with movable pistons. When the piston in each container is pushed inward with moderate force, substance P maintains its fixed shape and volume, substance Q changes its shape to match the new container geometry while retaining an unchanged volume, and substance R decreases significantly in volume. Based on these observations and the particle model of matter, which statement correctly identifies the physical state of substance R and explains its behavior?

A) Substance R is a liquid because its particles are closely packed yet able to glide over one another under applied pressure.

B) Substance R is a solid because its particles are organized in an elastic crystalline lattice that contracts when compressed.

C) Substance R is a gas because its particles are separated by vast empty spaces, allowing external pressure to push them closer together.

D) Substance R is a gas because its particles are held in fixed positions that readily collapse under increased external pressure.

States of matter Transitional Reasoning Practice

Chemistry · Matter · Chemistry · Properties & Changes of Matter

1 Chemistry practice questions on States of matter. Questions that build towards applied reasoning.

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Matter · Chemistry

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