Changes of state

 

Changes of state

An ice cube is a solid form of water. When it is heated, it changes its state from solid to liquid. This process is called melting. If the liquid water is heated more, it changes its state from liquid to gas. This process is called boiling. Changes of state can also happen in reverse if a substance is cooled down. For example, if gas is cooled down, it can change its state from gas to liquid. This process is called condensation. If liquid is cooled down, it can change its state from liquid to solid. This process is called freezing.

 

How water changes state

This diagram shows the process of water changing state.

 

 

Arrangement of particles

 

Solid

 

Liquid

 

Gas

 

 

Summary:

 

• When solids, liquids and gases are heated or cooled, they change their form of matter.
• Substances can change their form of matter by processes like evaporation and boiling.
• The particle model is a way of showing how solids, liquids and gases change their form of matter.