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 AM068003: Gases can be compressed more easily than solids because the molecules of gases are farther apart than the molecules of solids.
Why can gases be compressed more easily than solids?
- Because the molecules of gases are softer than the molecules of solids
- Because the molecules of gases weigh less than the molecules of solids
- Because the molecules of gases move faster than the molecules of solids
- Because the molecules of gases are farther apart than the molecules of solids
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 1620 | 3712 | 44% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 1012 | 2600 | 39% |
| 9–12 | 605 | 1104 | 55% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 782 | 1749 | 45% |
| Female | 815 | 1906 | 43% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1479 | 3336 | 44% |
| Other | 122 | 329 | 37% |
- 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.