Can Matter Change Its State?
Effect of Change of Temperature on the State of Matter
On increasing the temperature, the kinetic energy of the particles of the matter increases, and they begin to vibrate with higher energy. Therefore, the interparticle force of attraction between the particles reduces, and particles get detached from their position and begin to move freely.
- As a result, the state of matter begins to change.
- Solids undergo a phase change to form liquids.
- Similarly, liquids also undergo a phase change to form gases.
Melting Point
The melting point of a solid is defined as the temperature at which solid melts to become liquid at the atmospheric pressure.
- At the melting point, these two phases, i.e., solid and liquid, are in equilibrium, i.e., at this point, both solid state and liquid state exist simultaneously.
Fusion
When two atoms collide to create a heavier atom, such as when two hydrogen atoms combine to create one helium atom, this process is known as fusion. This process generates enormous amounts of energy, many times more than fission, and powers the sun. Furthermore, it doesn’t generate radioactive fission products.
The melting point at which ice, a solid, turns to water, a liquid, is 32°F (0°C).
Boiling Point
The boiling point of a liquid is defined as the temperature at which the vapour pressure of the liquid is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
The boiling point for any material is the temperature point at which the material transforms into the gas phase in the liquid phase. This happens at 100 degrees centigrade for water. The Celsius scale was in fact created on the basis of the ice/water melting point and the liquid water/vapor boiling point.
Latent Heat of Fusion
It is the amount of heat energy that is required to change 1 kg of a solid into liquid at atmospheric pressure at its melting point.
Latent Heat of Vaporisation
It is the amount of heat energy that is required to change 1 kg of a liquid into gas at atmospheric pressure at its boiling point.
Sublimation
The transition of a substance directly from its solid phase to gaseous phase without changing into the liquid phase (or vice versa) is called sublimation.
Effect of Change in Pressure on the State of Matter
By applying pressure, the interparticle spaces between particles of matter decrease. Thus, by applying pressure and reducing temperature, we can convert a solid to liquid and a liquid to gas.
Flowchart for Inter-Conversion of the Three States of Matter
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