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 decreases due
• to the tighter arrangement of the particles.
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.

Answer 1

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

As water freezes and undergoes a phase change from liquid to solid, the particles lose energy, resulting in a tighter arrangement. This decrease in potential energy occurs because the particles are held more closely together in the solid state compared to the liquid state.