The main difference between the solid, liquid, and gas states of most substances lies in the arrangement and movement of their particles.
In the solid state, particles are tightly packed together and have a fixed position. They vibrate around their equilibrium positions, but their overall arrangement remains relatively stable. Solids have a definite shape and volume.
In the liquid state, particles are still close together but have more freedom to move. They can slide past each other, allowing the substance to take the shape of its container. Liquids have a definite volume but not a definite shape.
In the gas state, particles are far apart and have high energy. They move randomly and rapidly, filling the entire space available to them. Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume and can expand to fill their container completely.
Water is a unique substance in that it exhibits some peculiar properties when transitioning between states. One such property is its high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb or release a large amount of heat energy without undergoing significant temperature changes. This property allows water to absorb heat from its surroundings during evaporation, cooling the surroundings and causing water to change from a liquid to a gas (water vapor). Similarly, when water vapor condenses, it releases heat, warming the surroundings.
Additionally, water has a relatively high boiling point (100 degrees Celsius at standard pressure) and a relatively low freezing point (0 degrees Celsius at standard pressure). This narrow range of temperatures between its solid (ice) and gas (water vapor) states allows water to exist in all three states (solid, liquid, and gas) under normal conditions on Earth. The ability of water to exist as a liquid over a wide range of temperatures is essential for supporting life and facilitating various Earth processes, such as the water cycle.