Question

liquids and solids are referred to as \condensed phases\ because the attractive forces

cause molecules to become stationary

leave little space between the molecules

that hold the molecules together are negligible

create large spaces between the molecules

Explanation:

Analyze the question stem

The question asks why liquids and solids are referred to as "condensed phases" based on the behavior of their attractive forces. We need to complete the sentence: "Liquids and solids are referred to as 'condensed phases' because the attractive forces..."

Evaluate the options

• Option 1: "cause molecules to become stationary"
• Analysis: In liquids, molecules are not stationary; they flow and slide past one another. Even in solids, particles vibrate in place rather than being completely stationary.
• Option 2: "leave little space between the molecules"
• Analysis: This aligns with the concept of States of Matter and Intermolecular Forces. Strong attractive forces pull the particles close together, leaving very little empty space between them, which makes these phases highly dense and virtually incompressible (hence "condensed").
• Option 3: "that hold the molecules together are negligible"
• Analysis: Negligible attractive forces are characteristic of gases, not condensed phases.
• Option 4: "create large spaces between the molecules"
• Analysis: Large spaces between molecules are characteristic of the gas phase, not condensed phases.

Connect to core concepts

Using the Intermolecular Forces and States of Matter knowledge points, we know that the strong attractive forces in liquids and solids pull the particles close together. This minimizes the intermolecular distance, resulting in a condensed state compared to the widely dispersed particles in a gas.

Answer:

• cause molecules to become stationary
• leave little space between the molecules (Correct answer)
• that hold the molecules together are negligible
• create large spaces between the molecules