States of Matter

Matter exists in three main physical forms: solid, liquid, and gas.

All molecules of matter have a specific amount of kinetic energy, which determines their physical state.

The molecules of solids are densely packed with little space around them and have limited movement. This gives solids a definite shape and volume.

Molecules in liquids are bound by strong, attractive forces, leaving little space around them. Yet they have enough energy to move freely, so the liquids can flow.

In gases, the molecules have high kinetic energy, move quickly past each other, and, as a result, have negligible intermolecular forces. With a lot of space around the molecules, gases have low densities making them compressible.

Matter can convert from one state to another as temperature and pressure change.

When the temperature rises, molecules can gain enough kinetic energy to overcome the intermolecular forces and transition to a less ordered state.

When the pressure rises, molecules are pushed closer to each other, increasing the intermolecular forces and changing matter to a more ordered state.