Question
Liquid water becomes a gas at a certain temperature. Which changes will occur in the molecules of water? (1 point)
The molecules will have more potential energy because they will be farther apart.
The molecules will have more potential energy because they will be farther apart. - no response given
The molecules will have more kinetic energy because they will be farther apart.
The molecules will have more potential energy because they will be farther apart.
The molecules will have more potential energy because they will be farther apart. - no response given
The molecules will have more kinetic energy because they will be farther apart.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
When liquid water becomes a gas (in the process of vaporization), the following changes occur in the water molecules:
1. **Increased Kinetic Energy**: As the temperature rises and water transitions from a liquid to a gas, the molecules gain kinetic energy. This increase in kinetic energy allows the molecules to move more rapidly and overcome the attractive forces between them.
2. **Increased Potential Energy**: As the molecules move farther apart from each other, they also gain potential energy. This occurs because work is done in separating the molecules against intermolecular attractions.
Given your options, the most accurate statement would be:
- **The molecules will have more potential energy because they will be farther apart.**
However, it's important to note that the molecules also gain **more kinetic energy** as they transition into the gas phase. Therefore, the correct interpretation encompasses both potential and kinetic energy changes.
1. **Increased Kinetic Energy**: As the temperature rises and water transitions from a liquid to a gas, the molecules gain kinetic energy. This increase in kinetic energy allows the molecules to move more rapidly and overcome the attractive forces between them.
2. **Increased Potential Energy**: As the molecules move farther apart from each other, they also gain potential energy. This occurs because work is done in separating the molecules against intermolecular attractions.
Given your options, the most accurate statement would be:
- **The molecules will have more potential energy because they will be farther apart.**
However, it's important to note that the molecules also gain **more kinetic energy** as they transition into the gas phase. Therefore, the correct interpretation encompasses both potential and kinetic energy changes.