Liquids and solids are referred to as 'condensed phases' because the attractive forces between particles:

• A. are strong enough to keep particles close together
• B. only exist in gases and not in liquids or solids
• C. are too weak to affect the arrangement of particles
• D. cause particles to move freely and independently

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'condensed phases' which refers to liquids and solids, where particles are closely packed compared to gases.
2. Recall that in gases, particles are far apart and move independently because the attractive forces between them are very weak or negligible.
3. Recognize that in liquids and solids, the particles are held close together due to stronger intermolecular forces, which restrict their movement compared to gases.
4. Analyze each option: the correct explanation must reflect that the attractive forces in liquids and solids are strong enough to keep particles close together.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the one stating that the attractive forces 'are strong enough to keep particles close together' because this explains why liquids and solids are called condensed phases.