Phases of Matter Vocabulary

Science thing

solid

Phase of matter that has a definite shape and volume.

liquid

Phase of matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape.

gas

Phase of matter that has no definite shape or volume

Amorphous solid

A solid that has particles that are not arranged in a regular pattern

Crystalline solids

Solids that are made up of crystals

fluids

A substance that flows.

viscosity

The resistance of a substance to flowing.

Surface tension

This property of liquids causes it to form a skin on the surface of the liquid.

sublimation

Phase change from a solid directly to a gas.

Thermal energy

heat energy.

Melting

A phase change from a solid to a liquid.

freezing

Phase change from a liquid to a solid.

Melting point

The temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid

Freezing Point

The temperature at which a liquid changes to a solid.

vaporization

Phase change from a liquid to a gas.

evaporation

Vaporization that takes place on the surface of a liquid.

boiling

Vaporization that takes place on and below the surface of a liquid.

condensation

Phase change from a gas to  a liquid.

Boiling Point

The temperature at which a liquid boils.

Plasma

The highest energy phase of matter is rarely found on Earth.