Phases of Matter and Particle Motion

Vocabulary flashcards covering matter, states, plasma, kinetic theory, phase changes, and energy concepts from the lecture notes.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Phase (State)

A distinct form of matter with uniform properties.

Ionized

Atoms that have lost or gained electrons, forming charged particles (in plasma).

Solid

Definite shape and volume; particles tightly packed and vibrating in place.

Liquid

Definite volume but takes the shape of its container; particles in contact and can slide past one another.

Gas

No definite shape or volume; particles far apart, move freely and collide.

Plasma

An ionized gas of charged particles; conducts electricity and is affected by magnetic fields.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion.

Thermal Energy

The total kinetic energy of particles in a substance.

Kinetic Theory of Matter

All matter is made of particles that are in constant motion; the amount of kinetic energy determines their state.

Melting

Solid to liquid; e.g., snow melting.

Vaporizing

Liquid to gas; e.g., boiling water.

Sublimation

Solid to gas; e.g., dry ice.

Freezing

Liquid to solid; e.g., making ice.

Condensing

Gas to liquid; e.g., water droplets on a lid.

Deposition

Gas to solid; e.g., water vapor turning to ice.

Latent Heat

Energy required for a phase change without a temperature change.

Thermal Equilibrium

When heat flow stops because temperatures are equal.

Heating Curve

A graph of temperature change as heat is added; flat sections indicate phase changes.

Cooling Curve

A graph of temperature change as heat is removed; energy is released during phase changes.