Phase

Name:
Phase
Detailed information:
(1) One of the three states or conditions in which substances can exist, i.e., solid, liquid, or gas (vapor). The condition depends primarily on the concentration of atoms of molecules; solids are the most dense, gases the least, and liquids occupy the intermediate position. Solids are normally crystals, liquids are amorphous, and gases are without structure.See Matter.(2) A physically distinct and mechanically separable portion of a dispersion or solution. Phases may be solid, liquid, or gaseous (vapor). In any mixture or solution the major component is called the continuous or external phase and the minor component the dispersed or internal phase. The latter may or may not be uniformly dispersed in the continuous phase.See Colloid Chemistry; solution.