Nitrogen gas has a(n) volume and a(n) shape.
A) definite; definite
B) indefinite; definite
C) definite; indefinite
D) indefinite; indefinite
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is D) indefinite; indefinite.
Explanation:
Nitrogen gas, like all gases, exhibits two primary properties: volume and shape. These properties are determined by the behavior of gas molecules and how they interact with their surroundings.
- Indefinite Volume:
Gases, including nitrogen, have indefinite volume because their molecules are spread out and move freely. Unlike solids and liquids, gases do not have a fixed volume. The volume of a gas depends entirely on the container in which it is enclosed. If the volume of the container changes, the gas will expand or compress to fill the available space. For example, if nitrogen gas is transferred from a small container to a larger one, its volume increases because the gas molecules are able to move more freely in the larger space. This ability to expand or contract based on container size is a key characteristic of gases. - Indefinite Shape:
Similarly, nitrogen gas has an indefinite shape. Unlike solids, which have a definite shape due to the rigid structure of their molecules, gases do not maintain any fixed shape. The molecules in a gas are far apart and move rapidly, so the gas will take on the shape of whatever container it is in. For instance, nitrogen gas in a balloon will adopt the shape of the balloon. If the same gas is transferred into a different-shaped container, it will instantly adjust to the new shape.
These properties arise from the kinetic molecular theory, which explains that gas molecules are in constant motion, collide with each other and the walls of their container, and are far apart compared to their size. These movements and interactions give gases their ability to expand and adapt to different volumes and shapes. This is why gases like nitrogen have both indefinite volume and indefinite shape.
In contrast, liquids and solids have definite volumes and shapes due to stronger intermolecular forces and more ordered arrangements of their particles.