When the kinetic energy of molecules decreases, the phase change that typically occurs is condensation or freezing, depending on the initial state of the substance.
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Condensation: This occurs when a gas turns into a liquid. As the kinetic energy of the gas molecules decreases (often due to a drop in temperature), the molecules lose energy, move closer together, and form intermolecular bonds, resulting in a liquid.
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Freezing: This is when a liquid turns into a solid. As the kinetic energy of the liquid molecules decreases (again, often due to a drop in temperature), they lose enough energy to settle into fixed positions, forming a solid structure.
In general, decreasing kinetic energy among molecules can lead to transitions from gas to liquid (condensation) or from liquid to solid (freezing).
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