Original Project
Atoms, Molecules, and States of Matter
There are differences in the spacing, motion, and interaction of atoms and molecules that make up solids, liquid…
Item AM057005: Liquid water takes the shape of a cup it is poured into but solid ice cubes do not, because the molecules of liquid water can easily move past one another but the molecules of solid ice cannot.
Why does liquid water take the shape of a cup it is poured into, but solid ice cubes do not?
- Because the molecules of liquid water are softer than the molecules of solid ice
- Because the molecules of liquid water are smaller than the molecules of solid ice
- Because the molecules of liquid water are moving but the molecules of solid ice are not
- Because the molecules of liquid water can easily move past one another but the molecules of solid ice cannot
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4180 | 9721 | 43% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 2047 | 5245 | 39% |
| 9–12 | 2119 | 4430 | 48% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 1942 | 4654 | 42% |
| Female | 2171 | 4903 | 44% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 3744 | 8512 | 44% |
| Other | 345 | 1008 | 34% |
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
- PS1.A Gases and liquids are made of molecules or inert atoms that are moving about relative to each other.
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.