Cooling Matter

Think Deeply

Where do the water dew droplets on grass come from? What causes them to form?

How does matter change when it is cooled?

Condensation

Have you ever noticed water droplets form on the side of a cold glass of water? The droplets of water form when water vapor in the air cools as it comes in contact with the cold glass. This process of changing from a gas to a liquid is called condensation.

The water droplets that form on a mirror after a hot shower and the dew on grass on a cold morning are other examples of condensation.

Freezing

What change will occur when water is placed in a freezer?

Pour some water into an ice tray and place it in a freezer. After a few hours, you’ll notice that the liquid water has changed into solid ice. This process of changing from a liquid to a solid is called freezing. Chocolate melts when it is heated in a pan. The liquid chocolate flows and can be poured into molds. When the liquid chocolate freezes, it becomes a solid with its own rigid shape.

AB Activity 10.5