Which is the most important factor in determining the state of a substance?
a) the size of the atoms in a substance
b) the number of molecules in a substance
c) the position of the electrons on the outer valence shells
d) the balance between intermolecular forces and kinetic energy

Asubstance is held in an open container. its particles move past one another at random speeds but do not leave the container. heat is removed from the system, and the particles slow down. when enough heat is removed, the particles no longer have enough speed to overcome the weak attractive forces between them. when this happens, the substance enters its solid state. the process described above is known as .