Put these in order, from the strongest force between particles to the weakest: a rubber band, a…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Put these in order, from the strongest force between particles to the weakest: a rubber band, a steel bolt, cooking oil, steam, a candle. Give a reason for each place.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
The particles of matter attract each other. The pull is strongest in solids such as iron, weaker in liquids, and very weak in gases. The stronger the pull, the harder a substance is to break or pull apart.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. The steel bolt. It is almost impossible to break by hand: the strongest pull between particles.
Step 2. The rubber band. It stretches, but it holds together and springs back: strong, but less than steel.
Step 3. The candle. Wax is a solid that keeps its shape, but it is easy to scratch and break: a weaker pull.
Step 4. Cooking oil. It flows and takes the shape of the bottle, but it stays together as a liquid: weaker still.
Step 5. Steam. It spreads out to fill the room: the weakest pull.
Answer: steel bolt, rubber band, candle, cooking oil, steam.
Discussion (0)
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…