How Does Matter Change From One State to Another?

When matter changes states, it goes through a process called phase transition. In South Africa, Grade 8 students learn in their science and chemistry classes that matter can transition between solid, liquid, and gas states. This change occurs due to the gain or loss of thermal energy. For example, when a solid is heated, it gains energy and transforms into a liquid (melting), then into a gas (evaporation). Similarly, when a gas loses energy, it condenses into a liquid and then solidifies. Understanding these transitions is crucial for comprehending the behavior of different substances.