Which description best characterizes the motion of particles in a solid
slow but able to move past one another
fast and widely spaced
not moving
vibrating around fixed positions

Option (D) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

The particles in a solid are arranged in a fixed position as they are tightly packed but still they move in the form of vibrations.

The particles of solid vibrate around their fixed positions. When we increase the temperature, the molecules get excited and the vibration increases such that it over comes the forces of attractions.

As a result, the lattice breaks and the state of system changes.

vibrating around fixed positions

Explanation:

Solids have fixed shape and volume. This is because particles are tightly packed in solids. The particles cannot move past each other. The inter-particles space is negligible and the particles can only vibrate around their fixed position. With increase in temperature, the particles vibrate faster about their positions. The collision among the neighboring particles helps to conduct energy. The particles of liquid and gas can move around. Liquids have fixed volume but not shape.