Explore the States of Matter Simulator
Heat and cool particles to see solid, liquid and gas behaviour and phase changes. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The States of Matter Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the States of Matter Simulator?
Heat and cool particles to see solid, liquid and gas behaviour and phase changes. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Understanding solid, liquid and gas behaviour helps in cooking, weather, refrigeration, metal casting and materials science.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
In a solid, particles vibrate in fixed positions.
In a liquid, particles slide past each other but stay close.
In a gas, particles have enough energy to escape each other's attraction and fill the container.
Cool to 25 K and watch the solid form.
Heat slowly through melting.
Jump to Gas and watch the particles spread.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Chemistry learners
Chemistry students from middle school to university, teachers who need a virtual demonstration, and anyone without access to a lab.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the States of Matter Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Heat slowly through melting. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What happens to particles when a solid melts?
They gain enough kinetic energy to break out of their fixed positions, though they stay close together as a liquid.
Why does temperature stay flat during a phase change?
The added energy goes into breaking attractions between particles instead of making them move faster, so the temperature holds steady until the change is complete.
Is the States of Matter Simulator free to use?
Yes. The States of Matter Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Chemistry group of AZRS simulations.
Does the States of Matter Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The States of Matter Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the States of Matter Simulator?
1. In the States of Matter Simulator, use the controls to change Substance, Set the state, Heater (+) / Cooler (−), Container volume. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the States of Matter Simulator, pick an option such as Neon, Argon, Oxygen, Water to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the States of Matter Simulator, press "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Cool to 25 K and watch the solid form. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the States of Matter Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: In a solid, particles vibrate in fixed positions.
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Try the States of Matter Simulator now
Heat and cool particles to see solid, liquid and gas behaviour and phase changes. Free to use.
Try it free