Original Project
Atoms, Molecules, and States of Matter
Item AM071002: Liquid candle wax flows but solid candle wax does not because the molecules of liquid candle wax can easily move past one another but the molecules of solid candle wax cannot.
Why does liquid candle wax flow but solid candle wax does not?
- Because the molecules of liquid candle wax are softer than the molecules of solid candle wax
- Because the molecules of liquid candle wax weigh less than the molecules of solid candle wax
- Because the molecules of liquid candle wax are moving but the molecules of solid candle wax are not
- Because the molecules of liquid candle wax can easily move past one another but the molecules of solid candle wax cannot
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 1189 | 2887 | 41% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 643 | 1853 | 35% |
| 9–12 | 542 | 1026 | 53% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 562 | 1425 | 39% |
| Female | 617 | 1433 | 43% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1074 | 2533 | 42% |
| Other | 92 | 305 | 30% |
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
- PS1.A In a liquid, the molecules are constantly in contact with others; in a gas, they are widely spaced except when they happen to collide. In a solid, atoms are closely spaced and may vibrate in position but do not change relative locations.
- NRC Framework
- PS1: Matter and Its Interactions. The states (i.e., solid, liquid, gas, or plasma), properties (e.g., hardness, conductivity), and reactions (both physical and chemical) of matter can be described and predicted based on the types, interactions, and motions of the atoms within it.