Knowing that substances can move from one physical state to another is nothing new. But how exactly does this happen? How do molecules behave as these changes take place?
When it comes to condensation (change from gas to liquid) and solidification (liquid to solid), let's see how they occur at a microscopic level:
Condensation
The particles, when in the gaseous state, store a large amount of energy, but when they undergo cooling, they have a reduced temperature and, consequently, their energy too.
Once the energy is reduced, the repelling forces between the gas molecules tend to decrease, and hence Thus, an intermolecular approximation that characterizes the liquid state becomes possible (molecules plus united).
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Solidification
The agglomerated particles that make up the liquid state can change if subjected to cooling. As temperatures drop, energy is removed. At this point, the particles begin to align to form a solid, a process known as solidification.
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Brazil School Team
See more!Does intermolecular force influence the temperature and physical state of the molecule?
Enthalpy in physical state changes.
General chemistry - Chemistry - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
FOGAÇA, Jennifer Rocha Vargas. "How do physical state changes occur in matter?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/como-ocorrem-mudancas-estado-fisico-materia.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
