Question

what happens when the kinetic energy of molecules increases so much that electrons are released by the atoms, creating a swirling gas of positive ions and negative electrons?

matter changes to a plasma state
matter changes to a liquid state
matter changes to a solid state
matter changes to a gaseous state

Explanation:

Analyze the physical process described

The question describes a scenario where the kinetic energy of molecules increases significantly. This extreme thermal energy causes atoms to lose their electrons (ionization).

Identify the resulting state of matter

The ionization process produces a mixture of free electrons and positive ions. This highly ionized gas-like state of matter is defined as plasma.

Match with the given options

• "Matter changes to a plasma state" matches the description of ionization and plasma formation.
• "Matter changes to a liquid state" is incorrect (liquids consist of neutral molecules/atoms with low kinetic energy).
• "Matter changes to a solid state" is incorrect (solids have the lowest kinetic energy).
• "Matter changes to a gaseous state" is incorrect (gases consist of neutral atoms or molecules, not free ions and electrons).

Answer:

• Matter changes to a plasma state (Correct answer)
• Matter changes to a liquid state
• Matter changes to a solid state
• Matter changes to a gaseous state