Question

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

All substances will melt.
All substances will melt.

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

Its particles slow down.
Its particles slow down.

Its atoms gain potential energy.

Answer 1

When thermal energy is applied to a substance, **its atoms gain kinetic energy**. This increase in kinetic energy typically leads to an increase in temperature and can cause changes in the state of the substance, such as melting or boiling, depending on the amount of thermal energy applied.