An ice cube tray full of water is put into a freezer. Which energy change occurs in the particles in the water as it undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a solid?

Question

(1 point)
The potential energy increases due
• to the tighter arrangement of the particles.
The potential energy decreases
• due to the looser arrangement of the particles.
The potential energy increases due
• to the looser arrangement of the particles.
The potential energy decreases
• due to the tighter arrangement of the particles.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: The potential energy decreases due to the tighter arrangement of the particles.

As the water freezes and transitions from the liquid phase to the solid phase (ice), the water molecules lose energy, move closer together, and form a more structured and tighter arrangement in the solid state. This results in a decrease in potential energy.