D E M O N S T R AT I O N S

5.7 Phase changes

Aim: To demonstrate that the temperature remains constant during a phase change.

Equipment:
� Temperature probe connected to � Ice at a temperature below 0 °C � Heater
a data logger with an output to � Beaker � Stirrer
a projector � Tripod

Method temperature sensor to heater supply

to data logger
● Fill the beaker with ice. stirer

● Position the temperature probe close to the bottom of

the beaker but not touching it.
● Switch on the heater.
● Start recording the temperature as a function of time,
for example, at a rate of ten measurements per second.
● Stir regularly.
insulator

Observations
Note that when the temperature reaches 0 °C it does not
change, even if heat is being added, until all the ice has melted.
Plot the temperature-time curve and note its slope (gradient) before
the phase transition and after the phase transition.

Explanation
As a substance changes phase, the energy input is used to modify
the bonds between the molecules (potential energy) and not to
increase the average kinetic energy (temperature) of the molecules.
The slope of the temperature-time curve is inversely proportional to
the specific heat capacity of the substance. The slope in the liquid
phase of water is approximately half the slope in the solid phase of
water (ice).

© OUP: this may be reproduced for class use solely for the purchaser’s institute