PHET Interactive Simulations: States of Matter

Topics

Atomic Bonding
Interaction Potential
States of Matter
Dipole

Description

Watch different types of molecules form a solid, liquid, or gas. Add or remove heat and watch the phase change. Change the temperature or volume of a container and see a pressure-temperature diagram respond in real time. Relate the interaction potential to the forces between molecules.

Sample Learning Goals

Describe a molecular model for solids, liquids, and gases.
Extend this model to phase changes.
Describe how heating or cooling changes the behavior of the molecules.
Describe how changing the volume can affect temperature, pressure, and state.
Relate a pressure-temperature diagram to the behavior of molecules.
Interpret graphs of interatomic potential.
Describe how forces on atoms relate to the interaction potential.
Describe the physical meaning of the parameters in the Lennard-Jones potential, and how this relates to the molecule behavior.