What is the primary factor that determines the state of matter of a substance?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the primary factor that determines the state of matter of a substance?
Temperature
Pressure
Intermolecular forces
Molecular weight
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the primary factor that determines the state of matter of a substance?
Step 1: Understand that matter can exist in different states: solid, liquid, and gas.
Step 2: Know that temperature is a measure of the kinetic energy of particles in a substance.
Step 3: Recognize that intermolecular forces are the attractions between particles in a substance.
Step 4: Realize that when temperature is high, particles move faster (more kinetic energy) and can overcome intermolecular forces, leading to a gas state.
Step 5: Understand that when temperature is lower, particles move slower and intermolecular forces can hold them together, resulting in a solid or liquid state.
Step 6: Conclude that the balance between temperature (kinetic energy) and intermolecular forces determines the state of matter.
