PhET Activity for MS-PS1-4: States of Matter

DIRECTIONS:
1. Click on the 'States' button on the left to enter the first module.
2. Notice the substance is set to 'Neon' and the state is 'Solid' by default.
3. Locate the box labeled 'Atoms & Molecules' on the top right.
4. Find the 'Heat/Cool Control' slider at the bottom of the container.
5. Observe the thermometer inside the container displaying the temperature in Kelvin (K).
Spend 2-3 minutes exploring the simulation. Try selecting the 'Liquid' and 'Gas' buttons to see what happens. Click the 'Reset' button (orange arrow) in the bottom right to return to the starting state when you are done.

QUESTION: Are you acquainted with the tools in this simulation?

DIRECTIONS:
1. If you are not there already, click the 'Reset' button (orange arrow) . Make sure that Neon and solid are both selected.
2. Observe the Neon atoms in the solid state.

QUESTION: Which statement BEST describes the motion of particles in the solid state?

DIRECTIONS:
1. Make sure that you are observing Neon in the 'Solid' state.
2. Use the 'Heat/Cool Control' and slide it up to add heat to the container. You must hold the slide control until the thermometer and atoms move.
3. Watch the thermometer and the motion of the atoms.

QUESTION: Adding thermal energy (heat) increases the (which type of energy is energy of motion) ___ energy of the particles, which causes them to move more, and results in a higher____.

(a)  

DIRECTIONS:
1. Continue adding heat to the solid Neon (slide and hold the heat control).
2. Watch carefully as the temperature rises and the atoms begin to break free from their fixed positions.

QUESTION: During the phase change from solid to liquid, what is the added thermal energy primarily used for?

DIRECTIONS:
1. Make sure that you have Neon and liquid selected from the top right. If it has turned into a gas, cool it by holding the cool on the control down.
2. Observe the motion and spacing of the atoms.

QUESTION: Compared to particles in a solid, particles in a liquid can (a)   .

DIRECTIONS:
1. Starting with liquid Neon, continue to add heat using the 'Heat/Cool Control'(slide up).
2. Observe the particles as they gain more energy.

QUESTION: In your own words, describe what happens to the particles as the liquid Neon turns into a gas. What changes do you see in their speed and spacing?

DIRECTIONS:
1. Make sure that Neon and gas are selected from the top right hand corner.
2. Observe the motion and spacing of the atoms.

QUESTION: Which of the following is a key characteristic of particles in a gas?

DIRECTIONS:
1. Start with Neon in the gas state.
2. Use the 'Heat/Cool Control' and slide it down to 'Cool' the container. Do not forget you need to hold to make sure the temperature moves.
3. Observe the changes as the temperature drops. Watch the substances. Click from gas to liquid (condensation) and then from liquid to solid (freezing). Make sure to observe how the particles are moving.

QUESTION: Arrange the states of matter for a single substance in order from lowest average kinetic (energy of movement) energy to highest average kinetic energy.

DIRECTIONS:
1. Click the 'Reset' button (orange arrow) to go back to solid Neon at 14 K.
2. In the 'Atoms & Molecules' panel, select 'Argon'.
3. Slowly add heat and watch the thermometer, do not forget that you may have to hold as you add.
4. Note the approximate temperature when Argon melts into a liquid.

QUESTION: Argon melts at a ___ temperature than Neon. This means Argon particles are held together by ___ forces than Neon particles

(a)  

DIRECTIONS:
1. In the 'Atoms & Molecules' panel, select 'Oxygen'. Note that it is composed of two atoms bonded together.
2. Then select 'Water'. Note its unique shape.
3. Switch back to 'Neon' and 'Argon' to review their structures.

QUESTION: Match the substance to its particle description.