According to the kinetic molecular theory, which statement correctly compares the motion of particles in a solid with the motion of particles in a liquid?

• A. Particles in both solids and liquids move freely and rapidly throughout the entire substance.
• B. Particles in a solid move more rapidly and randomly than those in a liquid.
• C. Particles in a solid and a liquid are both completely stationary.
• D. Particles in a solid vibrate in fixed positions, while particles in a liquid move past one another freely.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the kinetic molecular theory, which describes the motion of particles in different states of matter based on their energy and interactions.
2. Understand that in solids, particles are closely packed in a fixed, orderly arrangement and can only vibrate around fixed positions due to strong intermolecular forces.
3. Recognize that in liquids, particles are still close together but have enough energy to move past one another, allowing the liquid to flow and take the shape of its container.
4. Compare the motion: particles in solids vibrate but do not move freely, whereas particles in liquids move more freely and randomly, but are still in close contact.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is that particles in a solid vibrate in fixed positions, while particles in a liquid move past one another freely.