Phases of Matter

I’m sure you’re already familiar with the 3 phases (states) of matter so I’ll just summarize them.

1. Solid

• has a definite shape
• has a definite volume
• very difficult to compress
• particles packed close together and held rigid

2. Liquid*

• follows the shape of its container
• has a definite volume
• difficult to compress
• particles are close together but are free to move

3. Gas*

• has no definite shape
• has no definite volume; fills its container
• easy to compress
• particles are far apart
  
  
  *Liquid and Gas are considered fluids because of their ability to flow.
  
  You may have heard of the fourth state of matter- plasma. Written below are two definitions. They have the same meaning but the second one is more concise:
  
  - Plasma is a hot gas in which atoms are partially broken down to form charged particles or ions.
  - Plasma is a gas that is partially or completely ionized.
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  There are several factors which determine the state of matter. They are:
  
  1. The nature of the particles of matter
  2. Types of chemical bonds present in the matter (we'll tackle chemical bonds later on)
  3. Temperature
  4. Pressure
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  Matter is capable of changing from one phase to another. Most of the time, this happens because of a change in temperature. Here are the 4 phase changes of matter:
  
  1. Solidification
  - Liquid to solid
  - Happens when there is a decrease in temperature causing particles of liquid to lose kinetic energy, move closer together, and may eventually solidify.
  - Ex. Water freezes into ice
  
  2. Melting
  - Solid to Liquid
  - Happens when there is an increase in temperature causing the kinetic energy of solid particles to increase. If enough energy is absorbed by the solid, its particles will break away from nearby particles and posses liquid properties.
  - Ex. Ice melts into water
  
  3. Vaporization
  - Liquid to gas
  - Occurs when there is an increase in temperature causing the kinetic energy of liquid particles to increase. If enough energy is absorbed by liquid, its particles will break away from nearby particles and become gas.
  - Ex. Boiling water until it vaporizes
  
  4. Sublimation
  - Solid to gas
  - Happens when solid changes to gas without passing the liquid state
  - Ex. Mothballs & Dry ice