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 particles slow down.
Its particles slow down.

Its atoms gain potential energy.
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 results in the particles moving more rapidly, which can lead to changes in the state of the substance (e.g., melting or vaporization) depending on the amount of thermal energy applied.