Ice is given thermal energy and begins to melt while remaining at the same temperature. Which changes happen to the molecules of water? (1 point)

A. The molecules will have more potential energy because of their arrangement.
B. The molecules will have a greater average kinetic energy because of their movement.
C. The molecules will have more potential energy because of their movement.
D. The molecules will have a greater average kinetic energy because of their arrangement.
Please answer ASAP!

3 answers

When ice or any other solid melts, its potential energy increases. Indeed, this is the only increase in energy, since the thermal kinetic energy, or temperature, does not increase while melting. Potential energy is the latent energy that could be released by the water, and this increases because the water will release heat energy if it is frozen solid again.

What does that tell you?
It's potential energy because of the molecules' arrangement? Right?
the molecules will have more potential energy because of their arrangement.