States of Matter

In order to determine the states of matter, we deal with the aggregate of molecules as they occur in nature. The various kind of substances that makes up matter can be divided mainly into three states of matter like solids, liquids, and gases. The aggregation of molecules in these three states with transformation is given below the picture,

Image Source: States of Matter

These states are arises due to competition between two opposing molecular forces, namely attraction and disruptive forces. The attraction will tend to hold the molecule together but disruptive forces due to the thermal energy of molecules.

• If the thermal energy is much greater than the forces of attraction, then we have matter in its gaseous state.
• If the forces of attraction greater than the thermal energy, we have the matter in a liquid state.
• If the forces of attraction much greater than the thermal energy and the position of the molecules remain fixed, we have the matter in a liquid state.