States of Matter and Changes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to states of matter and their properties.

States of Matter

The different forms in which matter can exist, including solids, liquids, and gases.

Solid

A state of matter that has a definite shape, high density, and a fixed volume.

Liquid

A state of matter that takes the shape of its container, has medium density, and has a fixed volume.

Gas

A state of matter that takes the shape of its container, has low density, and has no fixed volume.

Boiling

An endothermic process that occurs at a set temperature (boiling point), turning a liquid into a gas throughout the liquid.

Evaporation

An endothermic process that can occur at any temperature below boiling point, turning a liquid into a gas only at the surface.

Condensation

The process by which a gas converts into a liquid at the same temperature as the boiling point.

Freezing

The process in which a liquid converts to a solid at the freezing point.

Melting

The process in which a solid converts to a liquid at the melting point.

Sublimation

The process where a solid converts directly into a gas or a gas converts into a solid.

Cooling Curve

A graph showing the temperature changes of a substance as it cools, depicting the transition from gas to liquid to solid.

Heating Curve

A graph showing the temperature changes of a substance as it heats, depicting the transition from solid to liquid to gas.

Diffusion

The net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Compressible

A property of gases that allows them to decrease in volume when external pressure is increased.

Kinetic Energy

The energy that gas molecules have which affects their movement and the pressure they exert.

Intermolecular Bonds

Forces of attraction between molecules that influence the state of matter.