The gallium in the image is melting in the person’s hand. Which changes will occur on a microscopic level?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

A.The gallium atoms will gain kinetic energy.

B.The gallium atoms will gain potential energy, moving freely from each other.

C.The gallium atoms will be moving faster on average

D.The gallium atoms will increase in temperature.

Answer 1

When gallium is melting in a person's hand, the following changes occur on a microscopic level:

A. The gallium atoms will gain kinetic energy.
This is correct because as temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the atoms increases, leading to greater motion among them.

C. The gallium atoms will be moving faster on average.
This is also correct, as the increase in kinetic energy results in the atoms moving faster.

While options B and D also relate to the process of melting and energy change, they are not as directly representative of the specific microscopic changes happening during melting. Therefore, the most accurate responses focused on the specific atomic changes upon melting would be A and C.

If you need to choose one, A is a strong choice as it encompasses the gain in kinetic energy specifically due to the melting process.