Intermolecular forces and thermal energy decide the physical state of matter. Explain.

(N/A) The physical state of matter is determined by the competition between two opposing forces: intermolecular forces and thermal energy.
$1$. Intermolecular forces: These forces tend to keep the molecules together,promoting the formation of condensed phases like liquids and solids.
$2$. Thermal energy: This is the energy of molecular motion,which arises due to the temperature of the substance. It tends to keep the molecules apart,promoting the gaseous state.
The three states of matter are the result of the balance between these two factors:
- When intermolecular forces are dominant,the substance exists as a solid or liquid.
- When thermal energy is dominant,the substance exists as a gas.
As shown in the diagram,the transition from gas to solid is driven by the increasing dominance of intermolecular interactions,while the transition from solid to gas is driven by the increasing dominance of thermal energy. Gases cannot be liquefied by compression alone if the thermal energy is high; lowering the temperature reduces the thermal energy,allowing intermolecular forces to hold the molecules together,thereby facilitating liquefaction.