Question

A student blows up a balloon and then places it in a very cold freezer. After a few hours, the balloon has shrunk. Which of the following best explains why the balloon shrunk. (2 points)

As the balloon gets cooler, the molecules gain energy and move closer together, causing the balloon to shrink.

As the balloon gets cooler, the molecules lose energy and move closer together causing the balloon to shrink.

As the balloon gets cooler, the molecules break apart, decreasing the volume of the gas.

As the balloon absorbs energy, the molecules move more quickly, making the balloon expand.

Answer 1

(B) As the balloon gets cooler, the molecules lose energy and move closer together causing the balloon to shrink.

Step-by-step explanation:

The selected answer describes the reality.

All alternatives listed have flaws:

(A)- if the balloon gets cooler, the molecules inside do not gain energy

(C) - the air/helium molecules inside the balloon do not break apart. It is still air/helium after you deflate the balloon. Breaking molecules apart would imply a chemical reaction.

(D) - in the freezer, the molecules do not absorb energy, unless the freezer is miraculously warmer than your kitchen.