Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Phase change refers to the transition between different states (phases) of matter, such as solid, liquid, gas, or plasma. During phase changes, energy is either absorbed or released while temperature remains constant.
Related terms
Latent Heat: The amount of heat energy required or released during a phase change without changing the temperature of the substance.
Melting Point: The specific temperature at which a substance changes from solid to liquid phase.
Boiling Point: The specific temperature at which a substance changes from liquid to gas phase.