phases of matter

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Definition of phases of matter

The states in which matter can exist: as a solid, liquid, or gas. When temperature changes, matter can undergo a phase change, shifting from one form to another. Examples of phase changes are melting (changing from a solid to a liquid), freezing (changing from a liquid to a solid), evaporation (changing from a liquid to a gas), and condensation (changing from a gas to a liquid). (See boiling point, condensation point, freezing point, melting point, triple point, and vaporization.)

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.

Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

true

false

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Words nearby phases of matter

phase microscope, phase modulation, phaseout, phase rule, phase shift keying, phases of matter, phase space, phase speed, phase-switching, phase transition, phase velocity

How to use phases of matter in a sentence

To borrow an old right-wing talking point, these people are angry no matter what we do.
Harry Shearer on The Dangerous Business of Satire|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The end of conventional childbirth might only be a matter of time.
Men Will Someday Have Kids Without Women|Samantha Allen|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In the absence of cultural shifts, then, new reproductive technology might not matter as much for women as it would for men.
Men Will Someday Have Kids Without Women|Samantha Allen|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Before we get to all that, permit me a brief reflection on this matter of Steve Scalise.
Steve Scalise and the Right’s Ridiculous Racial Blame Game|Michael Tomasky|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Nixon said defending the two islands was “a matter of principle.”
The World’s Toughest Political Quiz|Jeff Greenfield|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I assure you, no matter how beautifully we play any piece, the minute Liszt plays it, you would scarcely recognize it!
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
I hate to be long at my toilette at any time; but to delay much in such a matter while travelling is folly.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
“And the matter of the will was all disposed of by the probate judge today, I hear,” said the judge, his hand on the door.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden
The first month I was here, when there were only five of us, it was quite another matter, but now the room is crowded every time.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
Let us look over these points again, and make the matter still clearer and more simple.
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford