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 changes in energy or temperature.

Front

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

Back

The molecules gain energy, move faster, and begin 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 spread apart.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion; it increases as the speed of molecules increases.

Front

How does temperature affect molecular movement?

Back

As temperature increases, molecules move faster; as temperature decreases, they move slower.

Front

What occurs to molecules when they lose kinetic energy?

Back

They move slower and may come closer together, potentially leading to a phase change.

Front

What is the state of matter when molecules are tightly packed and vibrate in place?

Back

Solid.

Front

What is the state of matter when molecules are close together but can move around each other?

Back

Liquid.

Front

What is the state of matter when molecules are far apart and move freely?

Back

Gas.

Front

What happens to water molecules when ice melts?

Back

The molecules gain energy, move faster, and transition from a solid to a liquid.