What describes the process of changing states of matter?

The correct answer highlights that changing states of matter involves physical changes, specifically transitioning between solid, liquid, and gas forms.

This process, known as phase changes, occurs as a result of the addition or removal of energy, typically in the form of heat. For instance, when ice (solid) is heated, it melts into water (liquid), and when water is heated further, it evaporates to become steam (gas). This cycle can also reverse; cooling can cause gases to condense back into liquids and liquids to freeze into solids.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it illustrates how matter interacts with energy and the environment. The ability to shift from one state to another while maintaining the chemical identity of the substance reinforces the idea that these changes are physical rather than chemical.

This detailed reasoning about the transitions between states of matter underpins much of the foundational knowledge in science education, particularly in early childhood settings where introductory concepts of matter and energy are introduced.