Examine the graph. Select the statement that best describes the energy change in the particles of a substance during melting.

Question

Responses
A The kinetic energy of the particles remains unchanged.The kinetic energy of the particles remains unchanged.
B Absorbed energy results in the change in potential energy.Absorbed energy results in the change in potential energy.
C As the temperature increases during melting, the kinetic energy also increases.As the temperature increases during melting, the kinetic energy also increases.
D The kinetic energy of the particles decreases as the particles move farther apart.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes the energy change in the particles of a substance during melting is:

B. Absorbed energy results in the change in potential energy.

During melting, a substance absorbs energy, which increases the potential energy of the particles as they overcome the intermolecular forces keeping them in a solid state, allowing them to move into a liquid state. Although the temperature may remain constant during the melting process (indicating a phase change), the kinetic energy of the particles does not significantly change during this time; rather, energy is used to increase potential energy.