Final answer:
Matter is composed of particles whose motion is influenced by temperature and intermolecular forces. Low temperatures result in slow particle motion and tight bonds, while high temperatures increase motion and can cause a change of state. Temperature is a measure of the particles' average kinetic energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
All matter is made up of particles, such as atoms and molecules, that are in constant motion. At low temperatures, the motion of these particles is very slow because the particles are held tightly together by intermolecular forces. As the temperature increases, the particles gain kinetic energy, which increases their motion and weakens the intermolecular forces, facilitating phase changes from solid to liquid to gas.
At the microscopic level, particles in a solid vibrate in place, but once the substance absorbs heat, the particles move more vigorously, potentially reaching a point where they can slide past each other, forming a liquid. If the temperature continues to rise, the particles may gain enough energy to completely overcome the intermolecular forces and move freely as a gas.
Temperature is thus a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles, and changing the temperature or pressure of a substance can alter the balance between its kinetic energy and the strength of intermolecular forces, thereby changing its physical state.