Which of the following best describes the movement of atoms in a solid?

• A. Atoms vibrate in fixed positions.
• B. Atoms move freely throughout the substance.
• C. Atoms do not move at all.
• D. Atoms rotate around each other.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of solids: In a solid, atoms or molecules are closely packed in a fixed, orderly arrangement.
2. Recall that atoms in solids have limited movement due to strong intermolecular forces holding them in place.
3. Recognize that while atoms cannot move freely or rotate around each other, they do have some motion in the form of vibrations.
4. Vibrations mean atoms oscillate about their fixed positions but do not change their overall location within the solid structure.
5. Therefore, the best description of atomic movement in a solid is that atoms vibrate in fixed positions.