What mainly determines a materials state of matter how does it affect the particles of the material?

A material's state of matter—solid, liquid, or gas—is primarily determined by the arrangement and energy of its particles. In solids, particles are closely packed and vibrate in fixed positions, giving them a definite shape and volume. In liquids, particles are more loosely arranged and can move past one another, allowing them to take the shape of their container while maintaining a fixed volume. In gases, particles are far apart and move freely, resulting in both no fixed shape and no fixed volume, as they expand to fill their container.