Original Project
Atoms, Molecules, and States of Matter
All atoms and molecules are in constant motion.
Item AM063002: The water molecules in a glass of liquid water are moving at different speeds.
Which of the following describes the motion of the molecules in a glass of liquid water?
- The molecules are not moving.
- The molecules are moving at different speeds.
- The molecules are all moving at the same speed.
- The molecules move only when the glass of water is moving.
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4784 | 13095 | 37% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 2878 | 7846 | 37% |
| 9–12 | 1884 | 5197 | 36% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 2284 | 6317 | 36% |
| Female | 2410 | 6560 | 37% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 4198 | 11481 | 37% |
| Other | 484 | 1338 | 36% |
- NRC Framework
- PS3.A: Thermal energy is the random motion of particles (whether vibrations in solid matter or molecules or free motion in a gas), this energy is distributed among all the particles in a system through collisions and interactions at a distance.
- PS1.A: Within matter, atoms and their constituents are constantly in motion.