Temperature is a measure of how much the atoms in a substance are moving. why is a substance hotter in the gas state than in the liquid state? atoms can move to change a liquid’s shape. atoms can be compressed when in the gas state. atoms move more freely in the gas state. atoms move in the gas state but not the liquid state.

Well, each atom state is different with their respective temperatures. These temperatures differ with each element you have.

The answer for this question would be the third choice: Atoms move more freely in the gas state.

In a liquid, the atoms can move LIMITED to the shape of the object. So if we are talking about a glass of water, the atoms conform to the glass, yet, they can move if you tip the glass over. When the water is spilled, the water will flow, but its atoms are confined to the "border" of the water.

Gas on the other hand, its atoms are NOT confined to any shape, and have completely free movement. Therefore, they are moving a lot faster, generating more heat.

The diagram below should give you a better visualization of the atoms in each state.