Which of the following best explains why particles in solids vibrate more violently compared to gases?

The correct choice highlights that solids have stronger intermolecular forces compared to gases, which is fundamental to understanding particle behavior in different states of matter. In solids, the particles are closely packed and are held together by strong attractive forces. These forces restrict the particles to vibrate around fixed positions rather than moving freely as in a gas.

As the temperature increases, the thermal energy of the particles increases as well. This additional energy causes the particles in solids to vibrate more intensely around their fixed positions, which is observed as an increase in temperature. Strong intermolecular forces in solids contribute significantly to the extent of these vibrations since the particles attempt to overcome these forces with their increased kinetic energy.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately explain the vibrational behavior in solids. For instance, solids do not have less thermal energy compared to gases at the same temperature; in fact, at higher temperatures, they can have more thermal energy, leading to increased vibrations. The concept of empty space is also misleading; solids have very little empty space, which limits the degree of movement compared to gases, where particles are far apart and can move freely. Lastly, the idea that solids are completely motionless is incorrect; while they do not flow or change shape easily, their