Original Project
Atoms, Molecules, and States of Matter
Item AM052005: When an iron frying pan cools, the distance between the iron atoms decreases.
After cooking breakfast, a cook places a hot iron frying pan on the counter to cool. What happens as the iron pan cools?
- The iron atoms increase in size.
- The iron atoms decrease in mass.
- The number of iron atoms increases.
- The distance between iron atoms decreases.
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 1450 | 2878 | 50% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 804 | 1775 | 45% |
| 9–12 | 643 | 1095 | 59% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 720 | 1375 | 52% |
| Female | 708 | 1463 | 48% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1331 | 2570 | 52% |
| Other | 108 | 278 | 39% |
- Notes
- NGSS does not address thermal expansion or contraction of matter.