States of Matter Quiz

Analyze the table and determine which state of matter does not have a fixed shape and can be both poured and stirred, but may or may not be easily squashed.

• Solid

• Liquid

• Gas

• Plasma

The state of matter that is most likely to be compressed (squashed) easily is:

• Solids, because they have a fixed shape

• Liquids, because they can be poured

• Gases, because they have no fixed shape and can be squashed

• Solids, because they can be stirred

If a substance is changing from a gas to a liquid, which process is taking place?

• Melting

• Condensing

• Freezing

• Boiling (evaporating)

Which state of matter has particles that are fixed in place and cannot move?

• Gas

• Liquid

• Solid

• Plasma

How does the arrangement of particles in a solid contribute to its properties?

• The lattice arrangement and strong forces of attraction keep the particles in fixed positions, giving solids a definite shape and volume.

• The random arrangement allows the particles to flow, making solids take the shape of their container.

• The particles are loosely packed, allowing them to compress easily.

• The particles are arranged in layers that slide over each other, making solids flexible.

Which of the following is a general property of solids?

• They are easily compressed.

• They are generally very dense.

• They always float on water.

• They have no definite shape.

Melting in solids demonstrates the relationship between energy and molecular movement because:

• Melting shows that as molecules lose energy, they move less and the solid melts.

• Melting shows that as molecules gain energy, they vibrate more, and when the forces holding them together are overcome, they start to move freely, resulting in melting.

• Melting shows that molecules always stay in the same place regardless of energy.

• Melting shows that energy has no effect on molecular movement.

Which of the following best describes the motion of molecules in a liquid?

• Molecules are fixed in place and vibrate only.

• Molecules move in a fixed pattern.

• Molecules are free to move and are in constantly random motion.

• Molecules are completely stationary.

Why do liquids take the shape of their container but do not have a definite shape of their own?

• Because their molecules are tightly packed and cannot move.

• Because their molecules are free to move and have some attraction between them.

• Because their molecules are completely separated and do not interact.

• Because their molecules are arranged in a fixed pattern.

Which of the following best explains why gases do not have a definite shape or volume?

• Because gas particles are tightly packed and cannot move.

• Because gas particles have no force of attraction and are free to move, expanding to fill any space.

• Because gas particles are arranged in a fixed pattern.

• Because gas particles are attracted to each other and stay in one place.