Aggregate States

Abstract

Depending on its temperature, a substance exists in different forms, the aggregate states. In the case of gases, the pressure also plays a role. For example, everyone knows water as a liquid, as a solid (ice) and in a gaseous state (water vapour). These different forms are called states of aggregation. In this extensive chapter, we look at the states of matter, their transitions into each other and the transport of thermal energy. We look at important safety indicators (e.g. flash point, explosion ranges), make estimates of the LEL and UEL and deal with the measuring technology of explosion ranges. In the following, we look at the heat capacity and the changes of aggregate state, in general and when using extinguishing agents.