The distinct physical forms that matter can take depending on the arrangement, spacing, and motion of its particles.
Particles packed tight and vibrating = solid. Particles sliding past each other = liquid. Particles flying freely = gas.
Showing a random 20 of 50 problems.
Example 1
easy
What is the change from solid directly to gas called?What is the change from solid directly to gas called?
Example 2
medium
Rank solid water (ice), liquid water, and water vapor by particle spacing, from closest to farthest.Rank ice, liquid water, and vapor from closest to farthest particle spacing
Example 3
hard
Heating curve: 20g ice at −10°C is heated to 110°C vapor at 1 atm. Identify all segments and their energy types.
Example 4
medium
Why does a solid keep its shape while a liquid does not, in terms of forces between particles?
Example 5
medium
At what temperature does all particle motion theoretically cease?
Example 6
easy
True or false: Plasma is just very hot gas with no other differences.
Example 7
challenge
Two identical sealed flasks each hold the same gas at the same temperature, but flask A has twice the volume of flask B. Compare their gas densities and explain using particles per volume.
Example 8
medium
A substance keeps its volume but flows to fit any container shape. Name the state and describe its particle arrangement.
Name the state of matter with no fixed shape and no fixed volume.Which state of matter has no fixed shape and no fixed volume?
Example 11
easy
In which state of matter do particles have the most kinetic energy at the same temperature scale?
Example 12
medium
A sealed bottle of cold soda is opened on a hot day. Drops form on the outside of the bottle. Identify the phase change in the air.Cold soda bottle on a hot day: identify the phase change in the surrounding air
Example 13
medium
A sealed rigid jar of gas is heated. Does the gas's state change? What happens to particle motion?
Example 14
easy
In which state are particles arranged in a regular repeating pattern?
Example 15
medium
Boiling point of water at sea level vs. on a high mountain — which is lower, and why?
Example 16
medium
A material has a definite volume but takes the shape of whatever container holds it, and cannot be easily compressed. Identify its state and justify.Identify the state: definite volume, takes container shape, not easily compressed
Example 17
easy
In which state are particles packed tightly in fixed positions, only vibrating?Which state of matter has particles packed tightly in fixed positions, only vibrating?
Example 18
easy
A balloon of air weighs more than the same empty balloon. What does this prove about gases?
Example 19
medium
Why does water expand when it freezes, unlike most substances?
Example 20
easy
At room temperature, classify each as solid, liquid, or gas: (a) mercury, (b) oxygen, (c) table salt.