In the kinetic theory of matter, the statement that forces of attraction most strongly limit the motion of particles in solids is:

Introduction / Context:
The kinetic theory of matter explains the different physical states of substances solid, liquid, and gas in terms of particle motion and intermolecular forces. In solids, liquids, and gases, particles have different degrees of freedom to move because the attractive forces between them differ in strength. This question asks you to judge whether the statement that forces of attraction limit particle motion most strongly in solids is correct according to kinetic theory.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider the three common states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.
• Particles in each state experience forces of attraction that can be strong, moderate, or weak.
• We use the simple kinetic particle model taught at school level.
• The statement claims that attractive forces limit motion most in solids.

Concept / Approach:
In solids, particles are closely packed in fixed positions, usually in a regular lattice, and can only vibrate about these mean positions. This is because intermolecular forces are very strong and hold the particles firmly together. In liquids, the forces of attraction are still present but weaker, allowing particles to move past each other while remaining relatively close. In gases, intermolecular forces are very weak and particles move freely over large distances. Therefore, it is correct to say that the motion of particles is most restricted by attractive forces in solids compared with liquids and gases.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in a solid, particles are tightly packed and arranged in an ordered structure with very little free space. Step 2: Understand that these particles cannot move freely from place to place; they mainly vibrate about fixed positions due to strong intermolecular forces. Step 3: Compare with a liquid, where particles are close but not fixed; attractive forces are moderate, so particles can slide past each other. Step 4: Compare with a gas, where particles are far apart and attractive forces are very weak, so motion is least restrained. Step 5: Conclude that forces of attraction indeed limit motion of particles most strongly in solids, so the statement is correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Everyday observations support this theoretical picture. Solids have fixed shape and volume, indicating that their particles cannot rearrange easily. Liquids take the shape of their container but have a fixed volume, suggesting some freedom of motion but not complete. Gases have neither fixed shape nor fixed volume and expand to fill their container, showing that particle motion is least restricted. Heating a solid eventually leads to melting into a liquid and then boiling into a gas as energy overcomes attractive forces, again confirming that solids have the strongest particle binding and therefore the most limited motion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The statement is incorrect: This is wrong because kinetic theory and observations both show that solids have the most restricted particle motion due to strong attractions. True only for liquids but not for solids: Liquids have less restriction than solids; they are intermediate between solids and gases, so this contradicts the model. True only for gases at high pressure: Even at high pressure, gas particles are more free to move than particles in a solid lattice, so gases do not have the most limited motion.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse arrangement and motion, thinking that because solids appear rigid, particles might not move at all. In reality, particles in solids vibrate but do not move past each other easily. Another mistake is to think that liquids have stronger attractive forces than solids because they flow, but it is actually the reduced structure and moderate forces that allow flow. To avoid confusion, focus on how free the particles are to move and how strong the attractive forces are in each state of matter.

Final Answer:
According to the kinetic theory of matter, the statement is correct: forces of attraction limit the motion of particles most strongly in solids.