The table compares the characteristics of a substance in three different states of matter.

comparison of characteristics
characteristic state x state y state z
average speed of the molecules low greatest least
particle attraction/forces weak negligible strong

which of these best describes the state of the substance represented by state y?

a. it is a solid because there is negligible attraction between particles.
b. it is a liquid because there is negligible attraction between particles.
c. it is a liquid because the particles of the substance have the highest speeds.
d. it is a gas because the particles of the substance have the highest speeds.

It is a gas because the particles of the substance have the highest speeds.

There are three states of matter and these are;

The difference between the states of matter lies in;

Solid particles have the greatest magnitude of intermolecular forces and consequently a negligible average speed of particles.

In liquids, the magnitude of intermolecular forces is less than in solids hence the average speed of liquid particles is greater than that of solids.

In gases, the intermolecular forces are negligible hence the speed of gas particles is maximum.

Therefore, Y  is a gas because the particles of the substance have the highest speeds.

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the volume increases

gas

explanation:

smoke is the matter of a gas