Which statement best describes the atoms of the gas neon? They slide past each other. They move freely in all directions They vibrate in place. They are packed closely together.

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the best description of the atoms of the gas neon. We need to consider the properties of gases, particularly neon, which is a noble gas.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Gases, including neon, have atoms that are far apart from each other and move freely in all directions. This is due to the fact that gases have the least intermolecular forces among the three states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases).<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The atoms of gases do not vibrate in place, which is a characteristic of particles in a solid state. They also do not slide past each other, which is a characteristic of particles in a liquid state.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The atoms of gases are not packed closely together. This is a characteristic of particles in a solid state.