In which state of matter are molecules separated by large distances in comparison to their size?

In the gas state of matter, molecules are separated by large distances in comparison to their size. This characteristic is due to the high kinetic energy of gas molecules, which allows them to move freely and occupy a larger volume. In gases, the intermolecular forces are much weaker compared to those in solids and liquids, enabling the molecules to spread out and fill any container they are in. The significant amount of empty space between gas molecules also allows them to be easily compressed, which is a distinguishing feature of gases.

In contrast, solids have tightly packed molecules that are closely bound together in a fixed structure, while liquids have molecules that are close but capable of sliding past one another. Plasma, while also having particles that are widely spaced compared to solids and liquids, consists of ionized gases with charged particles, making it a different state with distinct properties. Therefore, the correct identification of gas as having molecules separated by large distances relative to their size is essential to understanding the behavior of different states of matter.