Why is a change of state a physical change?
The substance does not become a different substance; only its state changes.
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Chemistry 0971 (Extended) (2026–2028) · 1.1
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Why is a change of state a physical change?
The substance does not become a different substance; only its state changes.
What change of state is melting?
Solid to liquid.
What happens to particles during melting?
They gain energy and move more, so they can no longer stay in a fixed arrangement.
What change of state is freezing?
Liquid to solid.
What happens to particles during freezing?
They lose energy, move less and become held in fixed positions.
What change of state is boiling, and where does it occur in a liquid?
Liquid changes to gas throughout the liquid.
What happens to particles during boiling?
They move fast enough to separate widely and form a gas.
What change of state is evaporation, and where does it occur in a liquid?
Liquid changes to gas at the surface of the liquid.
What change of state is condensation?
Gas to liquid.
What happens to particles during condensation?
They lose energy, slow down and come closer together.