How does kinetic energy relate to the states of matter?

Question

Santiago Arce · Accepted Answer

In the solid phase, the particles are very close together and only vibrate in their fixed positions in the crystal lattice structure. Thus they only have low vibrational kinetic energy, since #E_k=1/2mv^2+1/2Iomega^2#.

Particles in the liquid phase have greater kinetic energies because they can move around more freely and have larger spaces between them.

Particles in the gaseous phase have very large kinetic energies because there are a lot of spaces between them and because they are moving quickly and freely.

Specifically, according to the particle model, temperature is the average kinetic energy of the particles; when a substance heats up, more thermal energy is transferred to the particles, which causes them to travel faster and farther apart; if heating is continued, a phase change eventually takes place, but in the interim, temperature (and kinetic energy) stay constant.

Violet Adams · Answer

undefined Kinetic energy is related to the states of matter because the amount of kinetic energy that particles possess is different in each state. In solids, particles have the least amount of kinetic energy, which allows them to maintain a fixed position and vibrate in place. In liquids, particles have more kinetic energy, allowing them to move past one another but still stay relatively close together. In gases, particles have the most kinetic energy, allowing them to move freely and independently of one another.