States of Matter

Question 9 • 350CR Integrated Science

Why can the volume of a sample of plasma change when the substance is moved from one container to another?

Answer

Plasma is made of charged ions and electrons, so they interact differently in different places.

Plasma can have lots of space between its particles, so it naturally expands and compresses.

Plasma is made of neutral atoms that can split into separate ions and electrons when placed in a new container.

Plasma can change between a rigid shape and a free-moving form, so it will have different volumes in different containers.

Explanation

Plasma is a gas-like state of matter, so its particles can be widely spaced and move freely. It expands to fill a larger container and can be compressed into a smaller one, changing its volume. Choice B correctly describes this; the container does not cause plasma to become rigid or change from neutral atoms.

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