The equation you provided,
\[ \text{Au (s)} \rightarrow \text{Au (l)} \]
represents the phase change of solid gold (Au in solid form, represented by the (s) state) transforming into liquid gold (Au in liquid form, represented by the (l) state).
Based on this, the correct responses are:
- solid gold becoming a liquid
The other options do not accurately describe what the equation shows:
- gold being cooled - Incorrect; the equation shows heating, not cooling.
- gold being heated - Correct; the process involves heating to change state.
- solid gold becoming a gas - Incorrect; this would represent a different phase change (sublimation).
- liquid gold becoming a solid - Incorrect; this would represent freezing or solidification, which is the opposite process.
So the only correct response is:
- solid gold becoming a liquid
- gold being heated