A pot of water is being heated on the stovetop. The water molecules closest to the burner rise in the pot when they gain thermal energy in 1-2 sentences, explain why the water rises.

Answer 1

The water rises because as the molecules gain thermal energy, they become less dense and therefore rise to the surface of the pot. This creates a convection current where cooler, denser water sinks to take its place, creating a cycle of heating and rising.