Phase Change Flashcard

Front

What is a phase change?

Back

A phase change is a transition of matter from one state (solid, liquid, gas) to another due to the addition or removal of energy.

Front

What happens to molecules during a phase change from solid to liquid?

Back

The molecules gain energy, move faster, and start to slide past each other.

Front

What happens to molecules during a phase change from liquid to gas?

Back

The molecules gain even more energy, move much faster, and break free from each other.

Front

What happens to molecules during a phase change from gas to liquid?

Back

The molecules lose energy, slow down, and come closer together.

Front

What happens to molecules during a phase change from liquid to solid?

Back

The molecules lose energy, slow down, and arrange themselves in a fixed position.

Front

What is the effect of adding heat to a solid?

Back

Adding heat to a solid increases the energy of its molecules, potentially causing it to melt into a liquid.

Front

What is the effect of removing heat from a gas?

Back

Removing heat from a gas decreases the energy of its molecules, potentially causing it to condense into a liquid.

Front

What is melting?

Back

Melting is the phase change from solid to liquid that occurs when a solid absorbs heat.

Front

What is freezing?

Back

Freezing is the phase change from liquid to solid that occurs when a liquid loses heat.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the phase change from liquid to gas that occurs at the surface of a liquid when it absorbs heat.