Final answer:
When a puddle dries up, the particles of water are actually moving faster as they gain energy and break free from the surface of the puddle.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a puddle dries up, the particles of water are actually moving faster. As the puddle starts to evaporate, the water molecules gain energy from the surroundings and begin to move more quickly. This increased movement allows the molecules to break free from the surface of the puddle and enter the air as water vapor. So, instead of stopping their motion or moving slower, the particles of water in a drying puddle are actually moving faster.
Learn more about Particle motion during the drying process of a puddle