What is the role of intermolecular forces in determining the state of matter of a substance?

Intermolecular forces play a crucial role in determining the state of matter. Strong intermolecular forces hold particles tightly together in fixed positions, resulting in a solid state. Weaker intermolecular forces allow particles to move past each other but still keep them relatively close, characteristic of a liquid state. 

Negligible intermolecular forces allow particles to move freely and far apart, leading to a gaseous state. Thus, the strength of these forces dictates how closely particles are packed and how much freedom of movement they possess.