How does the molecular motion of a substance change when it goes from liquid to solid?

Question

A.
The molecules gain energy, and their relative motion increases.

B.
The molecules lose energy, and their relative motion increases.

C.
The molecules gain energy, and their relative motion decreases.

D.
The molecules lose energy, and their relative motion decreases.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D. The molecules lose energy, and their relative motion decreases.

When a substance transitions from a liquid to a solid, the molecules lose energy, which leads to a decrease in their movement. This reduced energy allows the molecules to settle into a more fixed and orderly arrangement, characteristic of a solid state.