Question

1. which statement correctly compares the motion of atoms in liquid mercury and solid copper?

copper atoms move while staying close together, whereas mercury atoms are independent of one another
copper atoms in copper move while staying close together, whereas mercury atoms vibrate around fixed positions
copper atoms vibrate around fixed positions, whereas mercury atoms move around while staying close together

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the properties of solids and liquids

In solids, atoms vibrate around fixed positions. In liquids, atoms move while staying close together.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: Incorrect. Copper is solid, so its atoms vibrate around fixed positions, not move while staying close together. Mercury is liquid, so its atoms move while staying close together, not independent of one another.
• Option 2: Incorrect. Copper atoms vibrate around fixed positions (not move while staying close together). Mercury atoms move while staying close together (not vibrate around fixed positions).
• Option 3: Correct. Copper (solid) atoms vibrate around fixed positions. Mercury (liquid) atoms move while staying close together.

Answer:

Copper atoms vibrate around fixed positions, whereas mercury atoms move around while staying close together.