As a liquid freezes, the atoms (or molecules) in the liquid lose energy. This loss of energy reduces their kinetic motion, causing the atoms or molecules to move more slowly. As the temperature drops, the attractive forces between them, such as hydrogen bonds or Van der Waals forces, become more significant. Eventually, these forces pull the atoms or molecules into a more orderly structure, forming a solid. So to clarify:
- Atoms do not gain energy; they lose energy.
- They do not begin to move faster; they move slower.
- They are held together by attractive forces, which become more prominent as the liquid cools and freezes.
In summary, the correct statement regarding what happens to the atoms in a liquid as it freezes is that they are held together more strongly by attractive forces as they lose energy and move slower, leading to the formation of a solid.