Embedded Files
Simple Explanation:
Depending on the conditions, substances can exist in different states of matter. Below is a guide to the basic states of matter and phase diagrams.
On the Phase Diagram:
Solid Phase
Forces: When intermolecular forces exert strong control over matter, giving the substance definite shape and volume.
Motion: Particles in the solid phase vibrate while being closely packed together but are not able to move freely.
Properties: Can be structured either amorphously or in a crystalline pattern.
Liquid Phase
Forces: When intermolecular forces exert weaker control over matter, being overridden by background thermal energy. This gives the substance an indefinite shape but a definite volume.
Motion: Particles in the liquid phase are able to move freely but remain relatively close together, resulting in a condensed phase.
Properties: Varies in viscosity, the resistance to flow, and surface tension, the ability of liquids to resist external force.
Gas Phase
Forces: When intermolecular forces exert weak control over matter, almost entirely being overridden by background thermal energy. This gives the substance an indefinite shape and volume.
Motion: Particles in the gas phase are able to move freely and spread far apart.
Properties: Gases are able to be compressed and diffused.
Phase Diagram
Phase diagrams graph data of the specific conditions in which a substance's phases of matter could exist in.
Triple Point: Temperature and pressure needed for a substance to exist as a solid, liquid, and gas simultaneously.
Critical Point: Temperature and pressure needed for a substance to enter into an indistinguishable state between liquid and gas phases.
Not to be confused with phase change diagrams, which instead visualize the relationships between the states of matter, potential energy, and temperature.
Not On the Phase Diagram:
Aqueous Phase
Forces: Strong dipoles of water (the solvent) can overwhelm a substance's intermolecular forces, dissociating it into individual ions.
Motion: Ions in the aqueous phase move freely in the water and spread far apart.
Properties: Conductive due to the presence of freely-moving ions.
Plasma Phase
Forces: Extremely strong background thermal energy, enough to strip electrons off gas particles, resulting in ionization.
Motion: Ions in the plasma phase move freely and spread far apart.
Properties: Conductive due to freely-moving electrons and ions.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse