Liquids and solids expand only slightly when heated, whereas gases expand appreciably when heated. If the gas is not free to expand, its pressure rises when heated. Certain substances may melt, burn, boil, or explode, depending on their composition and structure. Thus, the thermal behavior of a substance is closely related to its structure. Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 4th ed.
A) Argument; conclusion: Certain substances may melt, burn, or explode ... structure.
B) Argument; conclusion: The thermal behavior of a substance ... its structure.
C) Argument; conclusion: If the gas is not free to expand ... rises when heated.
D) Nonargument.
E) Argument; conclusion: Liquids and solids expand ... when heated.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passage presents an argument that the thermal behavior of a substance is closely related to its structure. It supports this argument with evidence, including the fact that certain substances may undergo different phenomena (such as melting, burning, or exploding) depending on their composition and structure. Hence, the conclusion is that the thermal behavior of a substance is closely related to its structure.

Liquids and Solids Expand Only Slightly When Heated, Whereas Gases