Question

how does the motion of particles in the suns plasma compare to the motion of particles in a solid?

• particles in both the plasma and a solid are made up of fast-moving electrons and cations.
• particles in the plasma move randomly, but particles in a solid vibrate in one place.
• particles in the plasma have low kinetic energy, but particles in a solid have high kinetic energy.
• particles in both the plasma and a solid move around to fill available space.

Explanation:

Analyze particle motion in plasma

Using the States of Matter knowledge point, plasma is a high-energy state of matter consisting of free-moving ions and electrons. Because of their extremely high thermal energy, these charged particles move rapidly and randomly in all directions, similar to the behavior of particles in a gas but with electrical conductivity.

Analyze particle motion in a solid

In a solid, particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) are tightly packed together in a highly ordered, fixed structure. Intermolecular forces keep them locked in place, meaning they cannot move freely or travel past one another. Instead, their motion is restricted to vibrating in fixed positions.

Compare the options

• Option 1 suggests both states consist of fast-moving electrons and cations, which is incorrect because solids are typically composed of neutral atoms, molecules, or bound ions, and do not have free-moving cations and electrons like plasma.
• Option 2 states that particles in plasma move randomly, while particles in a solid vibrate in one place. This accurately describes the free, high-energy motion of plasma versus the restricted, vibrational motion of a solid.
• Option 3 claims plasma has low kinetic energy and solids have high kinetic energy, which is the exact opposite of reality.
• Option 4 claims both states move to fill available space, which is incorrect because solids maintain a fixed volume and shape.

Answer:

• Particles in both the plasma and a solid are made up of fast-moving electrons and cations.
• Particles in the plasma move randomly, but particles in a solid vibrate in one place. (Correct answer)
• Particles in the plasma have low kinetic energy, but particles in a solid have high kinetic energy.
• Particles in both the plasma and a solid move around to fill available space.