Question

What happens when thermal energy is applied to a substance?(1 point)
Responses

Its atoms gain kinetic energy.
Its atoms gain kinetic energy.

All substances will melt.
All substances will melt.

Its atoms gain potential energy.
Its atoms gain potential energy.

Its particles slow down.

Answer 1

When thermal energy is applied to a substance, its atoms gain kinetic energy. This increase in kinetic energy typically causes the particles to move faster, which may lead to changes in temperature or phase. So, the correct response is:

**Its atoms gain kinetic energy.**