In this lesson, we will cover: Matter and Properties: Matter is that which takes up space and has mass. Matter is made up of atoms and molecules, which are the basic building blocks. It can exist in different physical states, such as solid, liquid, and gas, and can be observed in a variety of forms and properties. Matter interacts with energy and is subject to various transformations and phenomena as environmental conditions change. In short, everything we can touch, feel, and observe is made up of matter. Phase Changes: We will investigate how matter can change from one state to another. Through engaging animations, we will see how solids transform into liquids and gases, and vice versa. We will uncover the secrets behind fusion, solidification, vaporization, and condensation. Fusion (or Melting): This is the change from a solid to a liquid state. This occurs when the substance absorbs enough heat for its particles to gain energy and vibrate more, breaking the regular organization of the solid state. Solidification (or Freezing): This is the opposite of melting, occurring when a substance changes from a liquid to a solid state. In this process, the particles lose heat energy and begin to organize themselves into a more ordered structure. Vaporization (or Evaporation): Vaporization occurs when a substance changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. This occurs at room temperature, when the particles near the surface of the liquid gain enough energy to become a gas. Boiling: Boiling is the rapid change from a liquid to a gaseous state, occurring when the liquid reaches its specific boiling temperature. During boiling, vapor bubbles form throughout the liquid. Condensation: Condensation is the opposite process of vaporization, occurring when a gas or vapor turns into a liquid. This occurs when the gas particles lose heat energy and come close enough to form a liquid substance. Heating: Heating is a less common change of state in which a solid directly changes to a gaseous state, without going through the liquid state. This occurs when a substance is heated very quickly and intensely, as in a nuclear explosion. In this process, the particles of the solid gain enough energy to break intermolecular bonds and transform into a gas. Sublimation: Sublimation involves the direct change from a solid to a gas, or vice versa, without passing through the intermediate liquid state. A common example is dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) which transforms into carbon gas when heated. Physical Phenomenon: A physical phenomenon is a change that occurs in matter without changing its chemical composition. During a physical phenomenon, the properties of the substance, such as shape, size, physical state and density, may be modified, but its chemical identity remains the same. Chemical Phenomenon: A chemical phenomenon is a transformation that involves changes in the chemical bonds and molecular composition of a substance. During a chemical phenomenon, new substances are formed with different properties than the original substances. Color changes, release of gases, formation of precipitates and changes in energy are common indicators of chemical phenomena. Nuclear Phenomena: A nuclear phenomenon involves changes that occur in the nuclei of atoms. This includes processes such as nuclear fission (the splitting of an atom's nucleus into smaller fragments) and nuclear fusion (the combination of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus), which release enormous amounts of energy. These phenomena are the basis of nuclear energy and are distinct from traditional chemical processes. These definitions provide a basic understanding of the differences between physical, chemical, and nuclear phenomena, and how they affect matter at different levels.