Which sample would have particles moving the most rapidly?

Out of the given options, the sample that would have particles moving the most rapidly is steam at 110 degrees Celsius.

To understand this, we need to consider the states of matter and how temperature affects particle movement. As a substance heats up, its particles gain energy and move faster. In this context:

  • Ice at 20 degrees Celsius: This is below the melting point of ice, so the particles are in a solid state and move very slowly.
  • Water at 20 degrees Celsius: In liquid form, the particles are more mobile than in a solid, but they are still not moving as quickly as gas particles.
  • Steam at 110 degrees Celsius: Here, we have water in its gaseous state, and at this higher temperature, the particles are moving very rapidly due to the high kinetic energy.
  • Boiling water: While boiling water has particles moving quickly as the water transitions to steam, the temperature is usually around 100 degrees Celsius, which is less than the steam at 110 degrees Celsius.
  • Ice at 0 degrees Celsius: This is just melting, and the particles still have minimal movement as they transition from solid to liquid.

Thus, comparing all the options, steam at 110 degrees Celsius has the highest energy and particle movement, making it the correct answer.

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