Question

In which of the three physical states, the constituent particle have maximum kinetic energy?

Answer 1

• The state of matter can be attributed directly to the kinetic energy of the particles.
• The kinetic energy of particles depends upon the intermolecular force of attraction between the particles.
• A compound having a less intermolecular force of attraction can move freely and have greater kinetic energy as compared to a compound having a strong intermolecular force of attraction.
• The increasing order of intermolecular forces of attraction among the different states of matter: Gas < Liquid < Solid.
• Therefore, the increasing order of kinetic energy of particles among the different states of matter: Solid < Liquid < Gas.

Hence, in the gaseous state, the constituent particles have maximum kinetic energy.