Phase

Phase is a term used in physics and chemistry to describe a distinct form of matter. It is characterized by having uniform physical properties throughout its volume. The term is also used to describe the state of matter, such as solid, liquid, and gas phases.

Definition

In physics and chemistry, a phase is a region of space (a thermodynamic system) throughout which all physical properties of a material are essentially uniform. Examples of physical properties include density, index of refraction, magnetization, and chemical composition.

Types of Phases

There are primarily three standard states or phases of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. However, other states such as plasma and Bose–Einstein condensate also exist.

Solid

A solid is characterized by structural rigidity and resistance to changes of shape or volume.

Liquid

A liquid is a nearly incompressible fluid that conforms to the shape of its container but retains a (nearly) constant volume independent of pressure.

Gas

A gas is a compressible fluid. Not only will a gas conform to the shape of its container but it will also expand to fill the container.

Phase Transitions

A phase transition is the transformation of a thermodynamic system from one phase or state of matter to another one by heat transfer.

See Also

• State of matter
• Phase diagram
• Phase (matter)

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