When liquid water is actively boiling, the particles exhibit the following characteristics:
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Increased Kinetic Energy: As the water heats up, the thermal energy increases, causing the water molecules to move more rapidly.
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Formation of Bubbles: The rapid movement of the molecules leads to the formation of vapor bubbles within the liquid. These bubbles consist of water vapor that has transitioned from liquid to gas due to the increase in temperature.
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Transition to Gas: Some water molecules at the surface gain enough energy to overcome intermolecular forces, allowing them to escape into the air as steam.
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Dispersed State: While in a boiling state, the water molecules are not tightly packed, as they are in a solid (ice) state. Instead, they move freely and are more dispersed due to the vaporization process.
Overall, boiling signifies a phase transition characterized by increased molecular movement and energy, leading to a mixture of liquid and gas phases.