The Changing Phases of Matter: Understanding Phases of Matter

Upon viewing the The Changing Phases of Matter video series, students will be able to do the following: Explain that phases of matter, also called states of matter, are the physical forms matter can take. State the four phases of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Understand that matter is made up of tiny particles that are constantly in motion. Explain that the various states of matter are determined by the motion and speed of particles. And understand that the movement of particles is related to the amount of energy a given type of matter contains. Explain that the particles in solids are packed closely and are more or less locked into place. Understand that solids have a definite shape and a definite volume. Explain that the particles in liquids are more loosely arranged. Liquids have a definite volume, but do not have a definite shape. Understand that the particles in gases are very loosely arranged. Gases do not have a regular volume and do not have a definite shape. Define a phase change as the change of matter from one phase to another. A phase change involves energy being added or taken away. Describe melting as a phase change from a solid to a liquid. State that the melting point of water is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Explain that freezing involves the change of a liquid to a solid. State that the freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Define vaporization as a phase change of a liquid to a gas. Differentiate between the processes of evaporation and boiling. Understand that condensation occurs when particles in a gas lose energy, slow down, and change phase into a liquid. Explain that sublimation occurs when the surface particles of solids gain enough energy to become a gas. Provide some common examples of phase changes that regularly occur.