What happens when thermal energy is applied to an ice cube?

Question

• Its water molecules lose kinetic energy, so the ice cube melts.
• Its water molecules lose potential energy.
• Its water molecules gain kinetic energy and move around more.
• Its water molecules gain potential energy.

Answer 1

When thermal energy is applied to an ice cube, its water molecules gain kinetic energy and start to move around more. This increase in kinetic energy causes the ice cube to melt and transition from a solid state to a liquid state. The thermal energy breaks the hydrogen bonds holding the water molecules together in a solid structure, allowing them to move more freely and flow as a liquid.