States of Matter

Definition

The solid, liquid, or gas form a substance takes, determined by the balance between intermolecular cohesion and molecular motion.

Solids form when cohesion dominates and motion is restricted mostly to vibration, giving a defined shape and volume. Liquids form when motion and cohesion are roughly matched, giving a fixed volume that conforms to its container. Gases form when motion overwhelms cohesion, letting molecules move independently and expand greatly.

Related concepts

Phase Change · Intermolecular Cohesion · Molecular Motion

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🔥 thermodynamics