When thermal energy is applied to water, the water’s temperature rises until 100° C and then stays the same. Which is the best explanation?(1 point)

Question

Responses

When the water reaches 100° C, any increase in thermal energy becomes potential energy.
When the water reaches 100° C, any increase in thermal energy becomes potential energy.

When the water reaches 100° C, any increase in thermal energy goes to breaking the bonds between water molecules as the water boils and becomes steam.
When the water reaches 100° C, any increase in thermal energy goes to breaking the bonds between water molecules as the water boils and becomes steam.

When the water reaches 100° C, it can no longer absorb thermal energy.
When the water reaches 100° C, it can no longer absorb thermal energy.

When the water reaches 100° C, the flow of thermal energy reverses, maintaining an equilibrium.
When the water reaches 100° C, the flow of thermal energy reverses, maintaining an equilibrium.

Answer 1

The best explanation for why the water's temperature stays the same after reaching 100° C is: "When the water reaches 100° C, any increase in thermal energy goes to breaking the bonds between water molecules as the water boils and becomes steam." This is because at 100° C, water undergoes a phase change from liquid to gas, and this requires energy to break the bonds between the water molecules. As the steam is formed, the temperature remains constant until all of the water is converted to steam.