Question

How does the interconversion of three states of matter takes place in terms of force of attraction and kinetic energy of the molecules?

Answer 1

In terms of force of attraction:

1. Due to the strong force of attraction between molecules, molecules in solids are closer to one another.
2. Molecules in liquids are slightly separated from each other, so there is less force of attraction between them than in solids.
3. Gas molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces.

Solid > Liquid > Gases.

1. When we increase the temperature of solids, they get enough energy to overcome this force of attraction and gets converted to liquid.
2. When we increase the pressure, molecules come together and we can convert gases to liquid and liquids to solid

In terms of kinetic energy:

1. Thus, molecules of a solid have the least kinetic energy.
2. Liquid molecules have more kinetic energy since they are not held together by strong forces of attraction.
3. Molecules collide with each other at a faster rate as a result, molecules of gas have maximum kinetic energy as compared to solids and liquids.

Solid < Liquid < Gases.

1. By supplying heat energy to the matter, we increase their kinetic energy thus we can convert solids to liquid and liquid to gas.
2. By applying pressure, molecules come together and go not have much space to move thus gases can be converted to liquid and liquids can be converted to solids.