Kinetic and Thermal Energy Quick Check

Question

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Question
Use the image to answer the question.

A photo shows a piece of gallium melting in someone’s hand.

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

(1 point)
Responses

The gallium atoms will increase in temperature.
The gallium atoms will increase in temperature.

The gallium atoms will be moving faster on average.
The gallium atoms will be moving faster on average.

The gallium atoms will gain kinetic energy.
The gallium atoms will gain kinetic energy.

The gallium atoms will gain potential energy, moving freely from each other.
The gallium atoms will gain potential energy, moving freely from each other.
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Answer 1

In the scenario where gallium is melting in someone's hand, the most appropriate responses regarding the changes that will occur on a microscopic level are:

1. The gallium atoms will increase in temperature.
2. The gallium atoms will be moving faster on average.
3. The gallium atoms will gain kinetic energy.

Since gallium is experiencing a phase change from solid to liquid due to the heat from the person's hand, the gallium atoms will indeed increase their temperature, move faster on average, and gain kinetic energy.

The statement about gaining potential energy as they move freely from each other is less relevant in this context, as the focus is on the kinetic energy related to the motion of the atoms during melting.