Phase (matter)
Phase (matter)
Phase (pronounced: /feɪz/) in the context of Matter refers to the distinct forms in which matter can exist. The term originates from the Greek word 'phasis' meaning 'appearance' or 'aspect'.
Definition
A Phase is a region of space (a thermodynamic system), throughout which all physical properties of a material are essentially uniform. Examples of such properties include density, color, temperature, and volume.
Types of Phases
There are four fundamental states or phases of matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas, and Plasma.
- Solid: In a solid, particles are closely packed together. The forces between particles are strong enough so that the particles cannot move freely but can only vibrate. As a result, a solid has a stable, definite shape, and a definite volume.
- Liquid: A liquid is a nearly incompressible fluid that conforms to the shape of its container but retains a (nearly) constant volume independent of pressure. The volume is definite if the temperature and pressure are constant.
- Gas: A gas is a compressible fluid. Not only will a gas conform to the shape of its container but it will also expand to fill the container.
- Plasma: Like a gas, plasma does not have definite shape or volume. Unlike gases, plasmas are electrically conductive, produce magnetic fields and electric currents, and respond strongly to electromagnetic forces.
Phase Transitions
A Phase Transition is the transformation of a thermodynamic system from one phase or state of matter to another. The types of phase transitions include melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation, sublimation, and deposition.
See Also
References
External Links
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Phase (matter)
- Wikipedia's article - Phase (matter)
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