Changes of State (AQA GCSE Physics)

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Changes of State

  • When a substance changes state:
  • The number of molecules in that substance does not change
  • Therefore its mass does not change

  • Unlike chemical changes, physical changes like changes of state are reversible
  • In a solid:
    • The molecules are very close together and arranged in a regular pattern
    • The molecules vibrate about fixed positions

  • In a liquid:
    • The molecules are still close together (no gaps) but are no longer arranged in a regular pattern
    • The molecules are able to slide past each other

  • In a gas:
    • The molecules are widely separated - about 10 times further apart in each direction
    • The molecules move about randomly at high speeds

  • There are six changes of state that can occur between solids, liquids and gases:
    • Melting - A solid turns into a liquid (e.g. ice to water) when energy is transferred to the system
    • Boiling - A liquid turns into a gas (evaporating) when energy is transferred to the system
    • Condensing - A gas turns into a liquid when energy is transferred away from the system
    • Freezing - A liquid turns into a solid when energy is transferred away from the system
    • Subliming - A solid turns into a gas when energy is transferred to the system

Solids liquids gases, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Diagram showing the arrangement and motion of different states of matter 

Katie M, Physics

Teacher tip

Katie M

Physics

In my experience of teaching this topic to GCSE students, there are a couple of common misconceptions that tend to occur.

  • The molecules themselves melt and separate 
    • The only way the atoms in a molecule can separate is through a chemical reaction (and this requires much more energy than changing its state!)
    • When a substance undergoes a chemical change (a chemical reaction) a new substance or substances are formed
    • In a physical change, like changes of state, the substance doesn't change. Water is still water whether it is in the form of a solid (ice), a liquid (water) or a gas (water vapour)
  • The mass of the substance changes 
    • The mass of the substance is determined by the mass of the individual particles and how many particles there are
    • The number of particles in a substance does not change when it changes state
    • Therefore, the mass of the substance does not change
    • However, gas particles can escape if the container is open when a liquid changes into a gas, in which case the mass of the remaining liquid would decrease as it evaporates or boils

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.