(a) How does the average kinetic energy of molecules compare with the average energy of attraction between molecules in solids, liquids, and gases? (b) Why does increasing the temperature cause a solid substance to change in succession from a solid to a liquid to a gas? (c) What happens to a gas if you put it under extremely high pressure?

In different states of matter, the balance between the average kinetic energy of molecules and the average energy of attraction between them varies, leading to different behaviors. Let's discuss each state of matter. 1. Solids: In solids, the average energy of attraction between molecules is relatively high and is stronger than their average kinetic energy. This is due to the molecules being closely packed together, which leads to strong attractive forces. As a result, the molecules are held tightly in place, which defines the rigid structure of solids. 2. Liquids: In liquids, the average energy of attraction is weaker than in solids but still stronger than the average kinetic energy of the molecules. Due to the weaker attraction, the molecules are able to move around each other a bit more freely but are still held together, resulting in the fluid nature of liquids. 3. Gases: In gases, the average kinetic energy of the molecules is higher than the average energy of attraction between them. This is due to the molecules being much farther apart, resulting in weaker attractive forces. Consequently, the molecules move freely and independently of each other which defines the properties of gases.

Increasing the temperature causes a solid substance to change in succession from a solid to a liquid to a gas due to the relationship between temperature and kinetic energy. At higher temperatures, the average kinetic energy of the molecules increases as they gain energy. This increased energy allows them to overcome the energy of attraction between them, leading to changes in the state of matter. 1. Solid to liquid: As the temperature of a solid increases, the kinetic energy of its molecules increases, allowing them to break free from their rigid structure. This causes the solid to turn into a liquid. 2. Liquid to gas: As the temperature continues to rise, the kinetic energy of the molecules within the liquid increases further, allowing them to overcome the remaining energy of attraction between them. This causes the liquid to turn into a gas.

When a gas is subjected to extremely high pressure, the volume of the gas decreases causing the molecules within the gas to come closer together. As a result, the energy of attraction between the molecules becomes more significant, leading to a change in the state of matter. Under certain conditions, extremely high pressure can cause the gas to become a solid or a liquid, depending on the specific substance and the temperature it's subjected to.