Learning Goals: Students will be able to:
- Describe differences and similarities between solids, liquids and gases on a molecular level.
- Explain gas pressure using the Kinetic Theory.
- Determine processes you could use to make solids, liquids and gases change phases.
- Compare and contrast the behavior of the 4 substances in the simulation and use your understanding about molecules to explain your observations.
Directions:
- Experiment with States of Matter Basics and then write a summary including illustrations that describes “differences and similarities between solids, liquids and gases on a molecular level”.
- When you check up your tires, you read on the side that the tire needs something like “35psi”.
- What does “ 35 psi” mean in words?
- What tool do you use to measure the tire pressure and how do you think it works? include illustrations
- Use the simulation to see if your ideas of “gas pressure” match the molecular representation in the simulation. List any changes you would make to your explanation of how a tire gauge works. (You may want to check your text or an online resource if you feel like you need more information).
- Using the simulation, try to change the phase of one of the substances. For example, change liquid water to solid or gas.
- Write a summary of your results.
- See if you can use similar procedures on all the materials. Make a data table that shows the tests and results to demonstrate that you have enough evidence to support ideas you have about how to make a substance change phase. Edit #3a if your experiments support some changes to your ideas.
- As you observed the 4 different substances, what specific similarities and differences did you see?
- Make a table to show your observations
- Think about explanations that might be possible using your understanding of chemistry and physics.
- Write your ideas and be prepared to share in a class discussion.
