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About This Simulation
Rescue a town from a fuel crisis by using your knowledge about matter and phase changes principles and performing ethanol distillation.
Learning Objectives
- Explain solid, liquid, and gas states in terms of particle interaction and bonding energy
- Describe and explain the characteristics of a phase change
- Read a phase diagram and explain each region
- Interpret a heating curve of a given substance
- Explain the difference between a heating curve and a phase diagram, and the difference between specific heat and latent heat
- Understand the basic steps of performing a distillation
- Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter and classify changes of matter as physical or chemical
- Name the main phase changes: boiling, evaporation, freezing, melting, and sublimation
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Distillation
Related Standards
- HS-PS1-3, HS-PS1-4, HS-PS1-5
- Chemistry 3.2 Properties of Solids
- Chemistry 3.3 Solids, Liquids, and Gases
- Chemistry 4.4 Physical and Chemical Changes
- Chemistry 6.5 Energy of Phase Changes
- Chemistry 2.2 Intermolecular Force and Potential Energy
- Chemistry 3.1. Intermolecular Forces
- Chemistry 4.4 Intermolecular forces
Learn More About This Simulation
Get ready to encounter all three states of matter. In this simulation, you will manipulate the states of matter and inspect the phase changes. Will you be able to see that almost everything you interact with matters?
Explore the intermolecular forces in matter
In the Matter and Phase Changes simulation, you will meet Jo who has a limited fuel supply and therefore wants to produce bioethanol. In order to help her, you must first master the definition of matter and the process of phase changes. You will dive into the water and examine the dynamics of intermolecular forces of water molecules during the phase changes. With the help of 3D animations, you will learn about the molecular configuration in three states of matter: Solid, liquid, and gas.
Generate heating curves
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you are ready to learn about additional aspects of phases changes: Specific heat, latent heat, and pressure. You will utilize a temperature probe and a heat plate to generate a heating curve and then compare the heating curve of water, ethanol, and metal. By doing so, you will be able to decode the meaning of each line of the heating curves.
Perform distillation
At the end of the simulation, you will put your newly acquired knowledge to the test!. You are going to use the distillation technique to achieve ethanol with higher purity.
Will you be able to produce high purity ethanol for Jo?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
Boost STEM Pass Rates
Boost Learning with Fun
75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster
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Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists
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FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
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Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.