Which statement best explains why melting and boiling points vary between substances?

The correct option is Different substances have different strengths of forces between particles. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to explain that the energy needed for a change of state depends on the strength of forces between particles in the subtopic The three states of matter.

The correct option is Different substances have different strengths of forces between particles. Different substances have different strengths of forces between particles is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain that the energy needed for a change of state depends on the strength of forces between particles. This belongs to the subtopic The three states of matter within How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from The three states of matter.