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National Phase Institute

Phase Changes

Learn about the different phase changes in physics.

Explore Changes

Understanding Phase Changes

Phase change occurs when matter changes to from one state to another. These changes occur when sufficient energy is supplied to the system, and also occur when the pressure on the system is changed.

Each transition has unique characteristics and energy requirements:

  • Melting: Solid to Liquid
  • Freezing: Liquid to Solid
  • Vaporization: Liquid to Gas
  • Condensation: Gas to Liquid
Phase Changes Introduction
Phase Changes Diagram

Primary Phase Changes

Basic transitions between states of matter.

Detailed Phase Changes

Detailed Transitions

Complex interactions between different states.