Changing state: solid to liquid
I can observe that some materials change state from solid to liquid when they are heated.
Changing state: solid to liquid
I can observe that some materials change state from solid to liquid when they are heated.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We can change the state of a solid to a liquid by changing its temperature.
- Water is a solid (ice) at 0°C but becomes a liquid when it is heated.
- The process in which a solid changes to a liquid is called melting.
- Different materials can be observed changing from solid to liquid when heated.
Keywords
Solid - A solid has a fixed shape and volume but some solids can change shape when a force is applied.
State - Materials can exist in three common states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.
Liquid - A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom of the container.
Heat - To heat something is to increase its temperature.
Melt - To melt is to change from a solid state to a liquid state.
Common misconception
Children think that materials can only be heated by being placed on a warm radiator or on a stove or over a candle and don’t think of being “in the room’ as being heated.
Teaching slides and observations show that items which have been stored below room temperature are “being heated” when moved to room temperature. Defrosting is explained in teaching slides.
Equipment
Saucers, ice cubes and a selection of other materials to investigate which melt at room temperature.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
