Question

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

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

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

Its particles slow down.
Its particles slow down.

All substances will melt.

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 the substance to change states, such as melting or boiling, depending on the amount of thermal energy applied.