Which state of matter has the greatest mobility?

• A. Solids
• B. Liquids
• C. Gases
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

Gases possess the greatest mobility among the three states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases. This is due to the differences in molecular arrangement and movement within each state. In gases, the molecules are widely spaced apart and have high kinetic energy, allowing them to move freely and rapidly in all directions. This results in a high degree of mobility and the ability to fill the volume of any container they occupy, leading to a uniform distribution throughout that space.

In contrast, solids have tightly packed molecules that vibrate in fixed positions, which limits their ability to move from place to place. Liquids have more freedom of movement compared to solids, as their molecules are not as tightly bound, allowing them to flow and take the shape of their container. However, the mobility of liquids is still significantly less than that of gases due to the stronger intermolecular forces that keep the molecules closer together compared to the gaseous state. Therefore, gases are characterized by their superior mobility, making them the correct answer to this question.