Ella makes this table to organize her notes on whether atoms gain or lose energy during the changes of state.

A 2-column table with 2 rows. The first row has entries Gain Energy, Lose Energy. The second row has entries nothing, nothing.

Which changes of state should she place in the column titled "Lose Energy"?

freezing, boiling, and melting
melting, vaporization, and sublimation
sublimation, deposition, and condensation
freezing, deposition, and condensation

1 answer

In the context of changes of state where atoms lose energy, the correct answer would be:

freezing, deposition, and condensation.

Here's why:

  • Freezing: As a substance changes from liquid to solid, it loses energy.
  • Deposition: This is the process where a gas turns directly into a solid, which also involves a loss of energy.
  • Condensation: This occurs when a gas turns into a liquid, and it too involves a loss of energy.

The other options involve processes (like boiling and melting) that require energy input and thus would not belong in the "Lose Energy" column.