05-Bill Nye phases of matter - answers - Free Printable

You’ve uploaded a completed worksheet titled “Bill Nye – Phases of Matter”, and you’re asking me to solve the problem and explain the solution.

Since the worksheet already has answers filled in (in red), I’ll assume you want me to:

✔ Verify the correctness of each answer
✔ Explain the science behind each answer
✔ Clarify any misconceptions or errors

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✔ 1. All the stuff in the universe is made up of ___matter___.

Explanation:
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space — atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, etc. Everything we see, touch, and interact with (including stars, planets, air, and living things) is made of matter.

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✔ 2. Matter comes in 3 basic forms called ___solid___, ___liquid___ & ___gas___.

Explanation:
These are the three classical states (phases) of matter:
- Solid: fixed shape and volume; particles tightly packed.
- Liquid: fixed volume, takes shape of container; particles slide past each other.
- Gas: no fixed shape or volume; particles spread out and move freely.

*(Note: Plasma is a 4th state, but not covered here — common in stars and lightning.)*

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✔ 3. In terms of energy, what is the difference between solid and molten (liquid) steel?

Answer: *In solid steel the particles have less energy and are moving slower than in liquid steel.*

Explanation:
Adding heat (energy) to solid steel breaks the rigid structure, allowing particles to move more freely → becomes liquid (molten). Higher energy = faster particle motion. So yes — liquid steel particles have more kinetic energy than solid steel particles.

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✔ 4. In what phase do we buy gasoline? ___liquid___

Explanation:
Gasoline is stored and sold as a liquid for safety and convenience. It’s easier to pump, store, and transport in liquid form.

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✔ 5. In what phase is gasoline when it is burned in a car motor? ___gas___

Explanation:
Before combustion, gasoline is vaporized into a gas (mixed with air) so it can ignite and explode efficiently in the engine cylinders. Combustion happens in the gaseous phase.

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✔ 6. What does it take to make things change phase? ___energy (heat)___

Explanation:
Phase changes require energy transfer — usually as heat. For example:
- Melting (solid → liquid): absorbs heat
- Freezing (liquid → solid): releases heat
- Evaporation (liquid → gas): absorbs heat
- Condensation (gas → liquid): releases heat

So yes — adding or removing energy causes phase changes.

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✔ 7. Describe how energy must change in order to make the following phase changes:

Liquid → gas: ___energy is added___
Liquid → solid: ___energy is taken away___

Explanation:
- Liquid → Gas (Evaporation/Boiling): Particles need extra energy to break free from liquid bonds → energy is absorbed.
- Liquid → Solid (Freezing): Particles slow down and form ordered structure → energy is released (lost to surroundings).

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✔ 8. Where does the energy from the inside of the “stainless steel freezer of science” go?

Answer: *The energy goes outside of the freezer*

Explanation:
Refrigerators and freezers work by removing heat from inside and expelling it to the outside environment (via coils on the back or bottom). This is how they cool the interior — by transferring thermal energy out.

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✔ 9. How do you make “fried ice”? Describe the phase changes that occur.

Answer: *Add heat to the solid to turn it into a liquid and keep adding heat to turn it into a gas.*

Explanation:
“Fried ice” is a fun demonstration where ice (solid water) is coated in batter and quickly fried. The outer layer cooks while the inside stays frozen — but if you add enough heat, the ice melts (→ liquid) and then boils (→ gas). The phrase “keep adding heat to turn it into a gas” refers to the full phase transition path: solid → liquid → gas.

*(Note: In real “fried ice” demos, the ice doesn’t fully turn to gas — but the concept is correct for understanding phase changes.)*

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✔ 10. The temperature of liquid nitrogen is ___–196°C___

Explanation:
Nitrogen boils at –196°C (or 77 K) at standard pressure. That’s why it’s used for cryogenics — extremely cold! At room temperature, it instantly boils into a gas.

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✔ 11. What percentage of air is nitrogen? ___78%___

Explanation:
Earth’s atmosphere is ~78% nitrogen (N₂), ~21% oxygen, and ~1% argon + other gases. Nitrogen is inert and makes up most of the air we breathe.

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✔ 12. What does the heat from the room do to liquid nitrogen molecules?

Answer: *The heat makes the molecules move faster and turn into a gas.*

Explanation:
Room temperature (~20°C) is much warmer than liquid nitrogen (–196°C). When exposed to room heat, nitrogen molecules gain kinetic energy, move faster, and overcome intermolecular forces → evaporate rapidly into gas. That’s why you see “fog” — actually condensed water vapor from the air, not nitrogen gas.

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✔ 13. What was the “stuff” coming out of Bill’s nose? ___gas___

Explanation:
This likely refers to a scene where Bill Nye breathes out after inhaling something cold (like liquid nitrogen vapor). The “stuff” is mostly water vapor from his lungs condensing into tiny droplets (mist/fog) — which is still technically a gas (water vapor) turning into liquid droplets. But since the question says “gas”, and the visible “stuff” is actually suspended liquid droplets, this is a bit tricky.

➡️ More accurate answer: The visible “stuff” is tiny liquid water droplets (condensed water vapor), but the *original* substance exhaled is gas (air + water vapor). So depending on context, “gas” is acceptable — especially since the phase change involves gas → liquid due to cooling.

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## 📌 Final Summary:

All answers provided are correct and reflect fundamental principles of states of matter and phase changes. The key takeaway is:

> Energy (usually heat) drives phase changes. Adding energy increases particle motion (melting, boiling); removing energy decreases motion (freezing, condensing).

Great job filling this out! If you’re reviewing for a test or quiz, this worksheet covers all the basics perfectly.

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or flashcards based on this! 😊