Grade 8 → Matter and its properties ↓
Changes in state and energy are involved
Matter is everything that has mass and occupies space. Everything we see around us is made of matter, and matter exists in different forms called states. The main states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. There are also less common states such as plasma and Bose-Einstein condensates, but for simplicity, we'll focus on the first three. Understanding how matter changes from one state to another is fundamental in chemistry. In this lesson, we'll explore these changes of state and the energy involved in such processes.
Understanding the states of matter
Before we discuss state changes, let us briefly understand each state of matter:
- Solid: In the solid state, matter has a definite shape and volume. The particles are close to each other and vibrate in place.
- Liquid: In the liquid state, the substance has a fixed volume but takes the shape of its container. The particles are less tightly packed than in solids and can move around each other.
- Gas: In the gaseous state, the matter has no definite shape or volume. The gas particles are far away from each other and move around freely.
State changes
Change of state refers to the transformation of matter from one state to another. These changes are physical, that is, there is no change in the chemical composition of the matter.
Melting - solid to liquid
Melting occurs when a solid substance changes into a liquid. This happens when a solid substance absorbs enough heat energy to break down the rigid structure of its particles. For example, when ice (solid water) absorbs heat, it melts and becomes liquid water.
H 2 O (s) → H 2 O (l)
Freezing of ice - from liquid to solid
Freezing is the change from a liquid to a solid. This occurs when the liquid loses heat energy, and its particles slow down and form a rigid structure. For example, when water freezes, it becomes ice.
H 2 O (l) → H 2 O (s)
Evaporation - liquid to gas
Vaporization occurs when a liquid changes into a gas. This can happen in two ways: evaporation and boiling. In vaporization, only the surface particles of the liquid gain enough energy to become a gas. In boiling, the particles inside the liquid gain enough energy.
H 2 O (l) → H 2 O (g)
Consider the formation of steam from the boiling of water. As heat is applied, the particles move faster until they escape into the gas phase.
Condensation - gas to liquid
Condensation occurs when a gas turns into a liquid. This happens when the gas loses heat energy and its particles move closer together to become a liquid. Examples include water vapor condensing into dew on grass.
H 2 O (g) → H 2 O (l)
Sublimation - solid to gas
Sublimation is the process in which a solid substance changes directly into a gas without becoming a liquid. Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, is a common example. It sublimes at temperatures below the freezing point.
CO 2 (s) → CO 2 (g)
Deposition - solid from gas
Deposition is the reverse of sublimation. Here, the gas changes directly into a solid. Frost formation on cold surfaces is an example of this, where water vapour becomes ice without becoming water.
H 2 O (g) → H 2 O (s)
Energy changes involved in a change of state
Every change of state involves energy. Energy is either absorbed or released during these processes:
- Endothermic processes: These are changes where energy is absorbed from the surrounding environment. Melting, evaporation, and sublimation are endothermic because they require the absorption of heat to overcome the attractive forces between particles.
- Exothermic processes: These changes involve the release of energy into the surrounding environment. Solidification, condensation, and deposition are exothermic processes because they release heat when particles come closer to each other.
Visual example of melting
In the above illustration, you can see a solid (represented by a rectangle) absorbing energy and transforming into a liquid (represented by a circle).
Role of temperature and pressure in phase change
Changes in state are affected by temperature and pressure. Temperature measures the kinetic energy of particles. Increased temperature usually provides the energy needed for changes such as melting and vaporization.
On the other hand, pressure can affect the interaction of particles. For example, increasing the pressure on a gas can lead to condensation, as the particles come closer to each other.
Visual example of evaporation
In this simple example, as heat is added, the liquid becomes a gas, increasing the energy of the particles until they escape into the air.
Real-life examples and applications
Cooking
Cooking involves many different changes. Boiling water involves changing from a liquid to a gas. Freezing a dessert involves changing from a liquid to a solid. Cooking shows how heat energy changes the state of ingredients, affecting texture and taste.
Weather and the water cycle
The water cycle shows many phase changes. Evaporation from oceans, rivers and lakes turns water from liquid to gas, forming clouds (condensation). Rain involves going from gas to liquid. Snow and ice represent solid states formed by deposition or freezing.
Industrial uses
Industries also use these state changes. For example, distillation is used to purify liquids through evaporation and condensation. Freeze-drying food involves sublimation to remove water, which preserves food better.
Conclusion
Changes in state are fundamental and are all around us. From simple daily events to complex industrial processes, understanding the motion and interaction of particles in these states advances our understanding of the physical world. Whether it is the melting of ice in your drink or the mixing of gases in the atmosphere, changes in matter and energy transformations are constant and are essential in defining the properties of matter.