Question

When thermal energy is applied to water, the water’s temperature rises until 100℃ and then stays the same. Which is the best explanation?(1 point)
Responses

When the water reaches 100℃, it can no longer absorb thermal energy.
When the water reaches 100 ℃ , it can no longer absorb thermal energy.

When the water reaches 100℃, any increase in thermal energy becomes potential energy.
When the water reaches 100 ℃ , any increase in thermal energy becomes potential energy.

When the water reaches 100℃, any increase in thermal energy goes to breaking the bonds between water molecules as the water boils and becomes steam.
When the water reaches 100 ℃ , any increase in thermal energy goes to breaking the bonds between water molecules as the water boils and becomes steam.

When the water reaches 100℃, the flow of thermal energy reverses, maintaining an equilibrium.
When the water reaches 100 ℃ , the flow of thermal energy reverses, maintaining an equilibrium.

Answer 1

When the water reaches 100℃, any increase in thermal energy goes to breaking the bonds between water molecules as the water boils and becomes steam.

Explanation: The added energy is used as latent heat of vaporization to change phase (overcome intermolecular forces), so temperature (average kinetic energy) stays constant until all the liquid has boiled.