States of matter
In solids,
particles are close together and arranged in a regular 3D structure called
a lattice. The particles vibrate, but cannot move from one place to another because they don’t have enough kinetic
energy to overcome the forces of attraction holding them together.
In liquids, the
particles are only slightly further apart, but they can now move past one another. There is no regular
arrangement of particles. They have
enough kinetic energy to weaken the forces of attraction holding them together in a solid. The particles move relatively slowly
compared to gases.
In gases, the particles are much further
apart and move freely and quickly. Gases occupy all the space they are
given. They experience no
significant forces of attraction between
them.
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