Chapter 8

The Condensed Phases and Phase Changes

When the attractive forces between molecules overcome the random thermal kinetic energy that
keeps molecules apart in the gas phase, the molecules cluster together so that they can no longer
move about freely, and enter the liquid or solid phase. Because of their smaller volume relative to
gases, liquids and solids are often referred to as the condensed phases. The relative order of kinetic
energy among the three different phases of matter is one of the most important concepts to keep in
mind. Molecules move most quickly in gases, flow more slowly in liquids, and merely vibrate in
solids.

General Properties  of  Liquids

General Properties  of  Solids

Liquid  Crystals

Intermolecular  Forces

Phase   Equilibria  and Phase   Changes

Phase   Diagrams