Water in three phases

Water exists in three phases: solid state (ice), liquid (water), and gas or vapor (water vapor). These phases are called states of matter or phases of aggregation.

Under the influence of temperature and pressure, water can transition from one phase to another.

• The transition from ice to water is called melting.
• The transition from water to ice is called freezing (or solidification).
• The transition from water to vapor is called evaporation.
• The transition from vapor to water is called condensation.
• The direct transition from ice to vapor is called sublimation.
• The direct transition from vapor to ice is called deposition.