Solving the Word Analogy: Solids : Freeze :: Gases : ?

This question presents a word analogy, asking us to find the word that shares the same relationship with the third word (Gases) as the second word (Freeze) shares with the first word (Solids).

The structure of the analogy is:

Solids : Freeze :: Gases : ?

We need to determine the relationship between Solids and Freeze first.

Analyzing the Relationship between Solids and Freeze

Let's consider the meanings of Solids and Freeze in the context of states of matter and phase changes:

• Solids are a state of matter characterized by a fixed shape and volume.
• Freeze (or Freezing) is a process of phase transition where a liquid changes into a solid. For example, water freezes to become ice, which is a solid.

So, a clear relationship is that Solids are the resulting state when a liquid undergoes the process of Freezing.

The relationship can be expressed as: Resulting State (from liquid) : Process (from liquid).

Applying the Relationship to Gases and the Missing Word

Now we apply the same Resulting State (from liquid) : Process (from liquid) relationship to the second pair: Gases : ?

• Gases are a state of matter characterized by no fixed shape or volume, expanding to fill their container.
• We need to find a process that results in Gases, particularly when starting from a liquid, mirroring the first pair.

Let's look at the provided options:

• Melts: Melting is Solid > Liquid. This results in a liquid, not a gas.
• Smells: Smelling is related to detecting substances that are often in a gaseous state, but it is not a phase change process resulting in a gas from a liquid.
• Freezes: Freezing is Liquid > Solid. This results in a solid, not a gas.
• Evaporates: Evaporation is Liquid > Gas. This process results in a gas (or vapor) from a liquid. This perfectly fits the relationship we identified: the process of Evaporating a liquid results in Gases.

Following the pattern:

• Solids are formed by Freezing (a liquid).
• Gases are formed by Evaporating (a liquid).

Therefore, the word that completes the analogy is Evaporates.

Summary of the Analogy

The analogy establishes a relationship between a state of matter and the process of phase change from a liquid that results in that state.

Both pairs follow the pattern: The state of matter on the left is produced from a liquid by the process on the right.

Revision Table: Phase Changes Involving States

Here is a table showing common phase changes between states of matter:

The analogy uses the processes Freezing (Liquid > Solid) and Evaporation (Liquid > Gas), relating them to the resulting states Solids and Gases, respectively.

Additional Information on Solving Analogies

Solving word analogies requires identifying the specific relationship between the first pair of words and applying that identical relationship to the second pair. Common relationship types include part/whole, cause/effect, synonym/antonym, function, type/category, and state/process.

In this analogy, understanding basic scientific concepts like states of matter and phase changes is crucial. Recognizing that freezing turns liquid into solid and evaporation turns liquid into gas allows you to quickly identify the parallel relationship between the two pairs.

Practicing different types of analogies helps improve vocabulary, logical reasoning, and the ability to spot subtle connections between words.