Question

Why do solids, liquids and gases differ in their physical state?

Answer 1

1. This is due to the distance between molecules and the amount of energy they contain. Gases have a higher energy content than liquids and solids.
2. As a result of the high intermolecular distance, the molecules in gases cannot form strong bonds. This effect is comparably lower in liquids and does not exist in solids, which can create strong molecular bonds.

3. Thus, gas molecules fly and collide, generating the air we breathe and a variety of other gases produced by chemical processes. Liquids have slightly higher bond strength, so they do not fly apart but do not stay in place. They randomly move. Solids have strong bonds, resulting in considerable mechanical stiffness.