Final answer:
The state of matter with the weakest energy or molecular forces is a solid. Solids have atoms or molecules in fixed positions and strong forces keeping them together. Substances with strong intermolecular forces, high melting points, and resistance to compression are typically solids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The state of matter with the weakest energy or molecular forces due to its very closed molecular attachment is a solid. In the solid phase, atoms or molecules are in close contact and hold fixed positions relative to each other. The forces are strong enough to keep the molecules together and prevent them from moving past one another, despite still allowing for vibrational movements that account for the thermal energy contents of the material. Therefore, solids have a defined shape that is independent of the container in which they are placed.
In which phases of matter are molecules capable of changing their positions? The correct answer to this question is c. liquid, gas, plasma. These states of matter allow molecules to move freely or slide past one another, unlike the solid state where the movement is restricted to vibrations about fixed positions.
If a substance has relatively strong intermolecular forces, a high melting point, and is not easily compressed, it is indicative that this substance is a solid. These characteristics are hallmarks of solid substances due to their tightly packed molecular structure and considerable intermolecular forces.