change of state
What change of state means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of change of state
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain change of state in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
What happens when the temperature stays constant while the energy goes to the potential store, separating the particles against the forces holding them together.
A change such as melting, freezing, boiling, condensing or evaporating, in which specific latent heat is involved with no change of temperature.
Topics that use change of state
- Changes of state and specific latent heat (AQA GCSE)
- Internal energy (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Specific latent heat
- constant temperature during melting
- constant temperature plateau
- E = m L
- heating a system
- heating curves
- heating graph sections
- internal energy
Using change of state in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge