Question

Why do liquids solidify when they are cooled?

Answer 1

As the liquid cools it looses kinetic energy and the particles slow down the liquid becomes more of a solid state.

Answer 2

I'm no chemist, and I would appreciate any help on this one, but I think I can give some more info on this.

Expanding on @Claflamme3 's response, the molecules will have less kinetic energy, like Claflamme3 said.

Then, the forces from the charges amongst the molecules will have more of an effect on the still molecules. The atoms will be attracted or repelled by these charges, and some molecular structures will form strongly held together groups.

A great example would be water freezing. The \(H_2O\) molecules form a pattern, made by the forces among the molecules. This pattern repeats, and thus creates a crystalline structure - very solid.

Answer 3

Thanks.

Answer 4

You're welcome....