Question
What happens when thermal energy is applied to an ice cube? (1 point)
Responses
Its water molecules gain potential energy.
Its water molecules gain potential energy.
Its water molecules lose kinetic energy, so the ice cube melts.
Its water molecules lose kinetic energy, so the ice cube melts.
Its water molecules lose potential energy.
Its water molecules lose potential energy.
Its water molecules gain kinetic energy and move around more.
Responses
Its water molecules gain potential energy.
Its water molecules gain potential energy.
Its water molecules lose kinetic energy, so the ice cube melts.
Its water molecules lose kinetic energy, so the ice cube melts.
Its water molecules lose potential energy.
Its water molecules lose potential energy.
Its water molecules gain kinetic energy and move around more.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
When thermal energy is applied to an ice cube, **its water molecules gain kinetic energy and move around more.** This increase in kinetic energy leads to the melting of the ice as the molecules begin to break free from their rigid structure, transitioning from a solid to a liquid state.