Example of Phase Changes in Water
Change of phase in water can be explained as follows:

• Phase 1 - A change in temperature has caused water to freeze becoming a solid ice cube
• Phase 2 - A change in temperature has caused the solid ice cube to melt - it changes to liquid water
• Phase 3 - A change in temperature has caused the liquid water to boil - it changes to vapour, a gas

The example illustrates a transition from one state to another, such as from solid to liquid or liquid to gas. This process can be referred to as a phase change, phase transition, physical change or state change.

Change of Phase

Change of Phase (Phase Changes, Phase Transitions)
Each of the states of matter is also known as a phase. Elements and compounds can move from one phase, or state, to another phase when physical forces are present. A phase change is the process by which the physical states of elements, the states of matter, are altered. An example is a change of temperature. The phase or state of matter can change when the temperature changes. For example, when a solid melts and becomes a liquid, it goes through a phase change in which the state of matter, or substance, has been altered. Changes in temperature to water can change it from a liquid (water) to a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapour / steam).

Phase Change Diagram - Melting, Freezing, Vaporization, Condensation etc.
The following phase change diagram illustrates the phase changes that take place when there is a change of temperature or pressure. 

Phase Change Diagram - Melting, Freezing, Vaporization, Condensation etc.
The following phase change diagram illustrates the phase changes that take place when there is a change of temperature or pressure.

• Phase Change from Solid to Liquid
  • When a solid changes to a liquid, it is called melting
• Phase Change from Solid to Gas
  • When a solid changes to a gas, it is called sublimation
• Phase Change from Liquid to Gas
  • When a liquid changes to a gas, it is called vaporization
• Phase Change from Gas to Liquid
  • When a gas changes to a liquid, it is called condensation
• Phase Change from Liquid to Solid
  • When a liquid changes to a solid, it is called freezing
• Phase Change from Gas to Plasma
  • When gas changes to plasma it is called ionization
• Phase Change from Plasma to Gas
  • When plasma changes to gas it is called de-ionization

Phase Change Diagram - Melting, Freezing, Vaporization, Condensation etc.
The above phase change diagram illustrates the phase changes that take place when there is a change of temperature or pressure. 

Change of Phase

• Homework help to learn about Change of Phase
• Useful facts and info for all chemistry students
• Change of Phase Water
• Definition of Change of Phase
• Examples of Change of Phase Water
• Change of Phase, Phase Transitions
• Understanding Change of Phase

Change of Phase - Elements Map!
For additional information about the elements featured on the Periodic Table adhering to the Change of Phase please refer to our comprehensive Elements Map!