A physical change in the state of matter refers to a transition between solid, liquid, and gas that occurs when thermal energy (heat) is added or removed. These transitions do not alter the chemical composition of the substance and are generally reversible under suitable conditions.
Key state changes
- Melting: solid to liquid
- Freezing: liquid to solid
- Vaporization: liquid to gas (includes boiling at a specific temperature and evaporation at the surface)
- Condensation: gas to liquid
- Sublimation: solid to gas
- Deposition: gas to solid
How it happens
- Rising temperature or pressure can push particles apart and increase kinetic energy, enabling a phase change (e.g., ice melting at 0°C under standard pressure).
- Lowering temperature or altering pressure can slow particles or bring them closer, prompting another phase change (e.g., steam condensing to water).
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific substance (like water, carbon dioxide, or sulfur) and show the exact temperatures and pressures at which its state changes occur.
