A liquid is not a solid even though the attractive forces are strong enough to restrict the motion of molecules. A liquid is not a gas even though there is not a fixed lattice structure. Liquids are easily viewed in closed systems. If the system is open, then the kinetic energy of the liquid will allow the molecules to escape into the surroundings as a gas after some time period. If the kinetic energy of the liquid is allowed to be decreased over some time period, then the liquid adopts an order which is dependent upon the quantum mechanical balance between orbital interaction and electrostatic factors. Intermolecular forces will prevail in systems with lower kinetic energy, and the particles will first come together to form a primary structure.