Example of Phase Changes in Water
Change of phase in water can be explained as follows:
- Phase 1 - A change in temperature has caused water to freeze becoming a solid ice cube
- Phase 2 - A change in temperature has caused the solid ice cube to melt - it changes to liquid water
- Phase 3 - A change in temperature has caused the liquid water to boil - it changes to vapour, a gas
The example illustrates a transition from one state to another, such as from solid to liquid or liquid to gas. This process can be referred to as a phase change, phase transition, physical change or state change.
Change of Phase (Phase Changes, Phase Transitions)
Each of the states of matter is also known as a phase. Elements and compounds can move from one phase, or state, to another phase when physical forces are present. A phase change is the process by which the physical states of elements, the states of matter, are altered. An example is a change of temperature. The phase or state of matter can change when the temperature changes. For example, when a solid melts and becomes a liquid, it goes through a phase change in which the state of matter, or substance, has been altered. Changes in temperature to water can change it from a liquid (water) to a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapour / steam).
Phase Change Diagram - Melting, Freezing, Vaporization, Condensation etc.
The following phase change diagram illustrates the phase changes that take place when there is a change of temperature or pressure.
