Question

How does the intermolecular force of attraction determine the states of matter?

Answer 1

Matter exists in three different states they are solid, liquid and gas.

• In solids, molecules are tightly packed and have a strong intermolecular force of attraction. The intermolecular space between them is negligible.
• The molecules in solids cannot move freely, they can only vibrate around their fixed position.
• In liquids, the molecules are less tightly packed, and there is a weak force of attraction between the atoms in the liquid.
• The molecules in a liquid have greater intermolecular space than the solid.
• In gas, the molecules are loosely packed and have a weak force of attraction than liquid and solid.
• The molecules in a gas have greater intermolecular spaces than liquids and solids.

Hence we can differentiate the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) based on their attractive force between the atoms.