A gas can flow, has no fixed volume and takes the shape of the whole of its container.

Materials can exist in three common states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.

A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom of its container.

Water is called water vapour when it is in the gas state.

Condensation is the change of state where a gas changes into a liquid.

Changing state: gas to liquid

Science

Properties of solids, liquids and gases

Comparing and grouping solids, liquids and gases

Changing state: solid to liquid

Changing state: liquid to solid

Melting ice caps and glaciers (non statutory - Climate Change & Sustainability)

Everyday examples of changing state: solids and liquids (non-statutory)

Thermometers and data loggers

Melting temperatures: plan

Melting temperatures: do and review

Melting temperatures: research

Changing state: liquid to gas

Everyday examples of evaporation and condensation (non-statutory)

Evaporation and condensation in the water cycle

Temperature and evaporation: plan

Temperature and evaporation: do and review

In this Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, pupils learn that some materials change state when they are heated or cooled. In the Properties, changes and separating materials unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn that dissolving, mixing and changes of state are reversible changes

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties. In this Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group materials together according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases

This unit explores the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, and how materials change state when heated or cooled. It covers evaporation, condensation, and the water cycle, with a focus on practical enquiries, careful observations, accurate measurements, and presenting findings.

Introduction to states of matter and changing states

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

When water vapour is cooled, what state does it change into? 

What is the name of the process in which water changes from the gas to the liquid state?

Match the state of water to the statement.

You can see the gas disappear and the liquid form.  

When condensation occurs, what can you observe? 

What should we change in order to change the state of a material? 

To make a gas condense, you should {{}} it.

Which of these are not states of matter? 

takes the shape of the whole of a container 

takes the shape of the bottom of a container

Materials in the gas state are often __________ and have no fixed shape or volume.

How could you make a liquid change to a gas more quickly?

The process when a liquid changes to a gas is called ...

Starter Quiz