The phases of matter can generally be ranked based on the kinetic energy of their particles from least to greatest as follows:
- Solid - In solids, particles are tightly packed together and vibrate in place, resulting in the lowest kinetic energy.
- Liquid - In liquids, particles are more loosely packed than in solids and can move around each other, leading to moderate kinetic energy.
- Gas - In gases, particles are far apart and move freely and rapidly, possessing the highest kinetic energy.
This ranking reflects the increasing kinetic energy associated with the changes in particle arrangement and movement as one moves from solids to liquids to gases.