Thinking a phase change alters the substance chemically. It is a PHYSICAL change; the molecules are unchanged.
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
The amount of matter in an object is its:
Answer: B. Mass measures the amount of matter and does not change with location.
Question 2 of 5
Matter is defined as anything that has mass and takes up:
Answer: B. Matter is anything with mass that occupies space.
Question 3 of 5
Which state of matter has a definite volume but NO definite shape?
Answer: A. Build the two-column grid — shape and volume — for solid, liquid and gas. Liquid is the one that is fixed in volume only.
Question 4 of 5
Which state of matter has a definite volume but no definite shape?
Answer: B. A liquid keeps a fixed volume but takes the shape of its container. A solid keeps both; a gas keeps neither.
Question 5 of 5
The state of matter with a definite shape and a definite volume is:
Answer: C. A solid holds both a fixed shape and volume.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
What is states of matter cheat sheet?
Every phase-change term is just a named move between two states, so learning the grid is faster than learning the words separately.
Key points
- Solid: particles vibrate in fixed positions — definite shape AND definite volume.
- Liquid: particles slide past each other — definite volume, takes the shape of its container.
- Gas: particles move freely and far apart — neither definite shape nor volume.
- Adding heat moves you solid → liquid → gas (melting, then evaporation/boiling). Removing heat reverses it (condensation, then freezing).
- Sublimation goes straight from solid to gas, skipping liquid — dry ice is the standard example.
Study first
- Water at 0 °C melts to liquid and at 100 °C boils to steam. Same substance, same particles — only the energy changed.
- Steam on a cold mirror becomes droplets: gas losing heat condenses to liquid.
Commonly tested
- Build the grid once: for each state write shape (fixed/no) and volume (fixed/no). Two columns answer most questions.
- Trace the arrows in both directions and name each; a phase-change question is always one of those arrows.
Watch out for
- Thinking a phase change alters the substance chemically. It is a PHYSICAL change; the molecules are unchanged.
- Mixing up evaporation (surface, any temperature) with boiling (throughout, at the boiling point).
- Reversing condensation and evaporation — condensation is the one that releases heat.
States of Matter Cheat Sheet: FAQs
What should I focus on first when studying States of Matter Cheat Sheet?
Water at 0 °C melts to liquid and at 100 °C boils to steam. Same substance, same particles — only the energy changed. Steam on a cold mirror becomes droplets: gas losing heat condenses to liquid.
What is most often missed on States of Matter Cheat Sheet?
Thinking a phase change alters the substance chemically. It is a PHYSICAL change; the molecules are unchanged. Mixing up evaporation (surface, any temperature) with boiling (throughout, at the boiling point). Reversing condensation and evaporation — condensation is the one that releases heat.
What do I need to know about States of Matter Cheat Sheet for the HESI A2?
Solid: particles vibrate in fixed positions — definite shape AND definite volume. Liquid: particles slide past each other — definite volume, takes the shape of its container. Gas: particles move freely and far apart — neither definite shape nor volume. Adding heat moves you solid → liquid → gas (melting, then evaporation/boiling). Removing heat reverses it (condensation, then freezing).
What are the most commonly tested points on States of Matter Cheat Sheet?
Build the grid once: for each state write shape (fixed/no) and volume (fixed/no). Two columns answer most questions. Trace the arrows in both directions and name each; a phase-change question is always one of those arrows.
