The correct ranking of the phases of matter from the least kinetic energy to the greatest kinetic energy for the particles in the substance is:
Least: solid
↓
liquid
↓
Greatest: gas
In this ranking, solids have the least kinetic energy as their particles are tightly packed and vibrate in fixed positions. Liquids have more kinetic energy as their particles can move around each other, and gases have the greatest kinetic energy as their particles move freely and are spread out.