States of Matter - SS1 Chemistry Past Questions and Answers - page 5

Phase changes are physical transformations that occur when a substance transitions from one state of matter to another. Four common phase changes are melting, boiling (or vaporisation), sublimation, and condensation.

 

Melting:

Melting is the phase change from a solid to a liquid state. It occurs when a substance absorbs enough heat energy to overcome the forces holding its particles in a fixed lattice structure. As heat is added, the particles gain energy, increasing their vibrational motion and eventually breaking free from their fixed positions. The temperature at which melting occurs is called the melting point. During melting, there is an energy input without a change in temperature, as the absorbed heat energy is used to weaken the intermolecular forces.

 

Boiling (Vaporization):

Boiling, or vaporisation, is the phase change from a liquid to a gas state that occurs throughout the liquid, not just at the surface. It happens when a liquid is heated to its boiling point, and the vapour pressure of the liquid equals the atmospheric pressure. At the boiling point, the heat energy supplied is used to convert the liquid into gas, and the temperature remains constant until the phase change is complete. The process involves the breaking of intermolecular forces between liquid particles, allowing them to escape as gas particles.

 

Sublimation:

Sublimation is the phase change directly from a solid to a gas state without passing through the liquid phase. Certain substances, like dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), undergo sublimation under specific conditions of temperature and pressure. Sublimation occurs when the heat energy absorbed by the solid causes its particles to gain enough energy to overcome the intermolecular forces and transform directly into a gas. In sublimation, there is no intermediate liquid phase.

 

Condensation:

Condensation is the reverse of vaporisation and occurs when a gas or vapour changes into a liquid state. It happens when a gas loses heat energy to the surroundings, leading to a decrease in the average kinetic energy of the gas particles. As a result, the particles slow down and come closer together, forming intermolecular forces that allow them to transition into a liquid state. The temperature at which condensation occurs is called the dew point.

Phase changes have significant practical applications in various aspects of everyday life and different fields of science and technology. Some notable examples include:

 

-       Cooking and food preparation: Phase changes are crucial in cooking processes. Melting occurs when solid ingredients such as butter or chocolate are heated, while boiling is involved in the preparation of soups, pastas, and other dishes. Additionally, processes like evaporation and condensation are utilised in food preservation and drying methods.

 

-       Heating and cooling systems: Phase changes are central to the operation of heating and cooling systems. Boiling and condensation are utilised in refrigeration systems and air conditioners, where the phase change of a refrigerant allows for the transfer of heat energy.

 

-       Atmospheric processes: Phase changes play a vital role in atmospheric phenomena. Evaporation, condensation, and sublimation contribute to the water cycle, cloud formation, rainfall, and snow formation. Understanding these processes is crucial for meteorology and weather prediction.

 

-       Industrial applications: Phase changes are utilised in various industrial processes. For example, in distillation, a mixture is heated to separate its components based on their different boiling points. Sublimation is used in freeze-drying to preserve pharmaceuticals, food, and other perishable items.

 

-       Thermal management in electronics: Phase change materials (PCMs) are used in electronics and computer systems to manage heat. These materials absorb heat during melting and release heat during solidification, effectively controlling temperature and preventing overheating.

 

-       Scientific research: Phase changes are studied extensively in scientific research, ranging from understanding the behaviour of materials at different temperatures to investigating the properties of substances under extreme conditions.