States of Matter and Phase Transitions

The diagram presents a comprehensive overview of the various phase transitions possible between the three main states of matter. These transformations form a cyclical relationship, where each state can transform into another through specific processes.

Definition: Phase transitions are physical processes where matter changes from one state to another without changing its chemical composition.

Vocabulary:

• Fusion: The transition from solid to liquid state
• Vaporization: The transition from liquid to gas state
• Condensation: The transition from gas to liquid state
• Solidification: The transition from liquid to solid state
• Sublimation: The direct transition from solid to gas state
• Liquefaction: The transition from gas to liquid state

Example: Water demonstrates all these transitions - ice melting (fusion), water boiling (vaporization), steam condensing (condensation), water freezing (solidification), and dry ice sublimating (sublimation).

Highlight: Each transition requires either the addition or removal of energy, and these processes are reversible under appropriate conditions of temperature and pressure.