Using the source text about particle movement and arrangement in solids and gases, complete the table by choosing whether each statement describes solids or gases: (1) The particles are far apart, (2) The particles are in a regular arrangement, (3) The particles are touching, (4) The particles vibrate about fixed positions.

What the statements are really asking

Each statement describes how particles are spaced and how they move. Match each one to the state of matter whose particle model fits that description.

Particle spacing: far apart vs touching

• Far apart is a key feature of gases because gas particles have lots of empty space between them.
• Touching is a feature of solids because solid particles are packed closely together (they touch their neighbors).

Arrangement: regular pattern or not

• A regular arrangement (fixed, repeating pattern) describes solids.
• Gases have no fixed arrangement because the particles move freely and spread out.

Movement: vibrating vs moving freely

• Vibrate about fixed positions describes solids: the particles cannot move past each other, so they only vibrate in place.
• In gases, particles move quickly in random directions rather than vibrating in fixed spots.

Completed table (which state matches each statement)

• The particles are far apart: Gases
• The particles are in a regular arrangement: Solids
• The particles are touching: Solids
• The particles vibrate about fixed positions: Solids