Physical Changes and Particle Motion

Study Notes

Phase Changes in Matter

Phase changes occur when matter transitions between physical states: solid, liquid, and gas.
Common phase changes include:
- Melting: solid to liquid
- Freezing: liquid to solid
- Vaporization (Boiling): liquid to gas
- Condensation: gas to liquid
- Sublimation: solid to gas
- Deposition: gas to solid

Latent Heat

Latent heat refers to the energy absorbed or released during a phase change without changing temperature.
When ice melts, heat is absorbed to break intermolecular bonds, allowing molecules to move freely.
The temperature remains constant during this energy absorption until the entire solid is converted to liquid.
As water cools, heat is released, leading to more tightly packed molecules and the formation of solid ice.

Melting

Melting occurs when a solid is heated, increasing molecular kinetic energy and causing vibrations.
The breaking of intermolecular bonds allows molecules to move apart, transforming the solid into a liquid.

Boiling

Boiling transforms a liquid into gas due to increased temperature and pressure.
Heat addition increases molecular movement and collision frequency, converting the entire liquid into gas.

Evaporation

Evaporation is a process where surface molecules of a liquid gain enough energy to escape into the gas phase.
This happens at temperatures below the boiling point, leading to a gradual loss of liquid.

Description

This quiz explores the various phase changes in matter and the transitions between solid, liquid, and gas. Test your understanding of processes such as freezing, melting, condensation, and evaporation. Enhance your grasp of the states of matter and their transformations.