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"Temperature is a measure of the average energy of motion of an objects particles. Sometimes, if enough heat is added to or removed from an object, it can change its state. Which of the following can occur if the temperature decreases in a system?

A. A solid becomes a liquid
B. A liquid becomes a gas
C. A solid becomes a gas
D. A liquid becomes a solid"

1 Answer

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Final answer:

When temperature decreases in a system, it can cause a liquid to become a solid, due to a reduction in particle movement and kinetic energy, resulting in freezing.

Step-by-step explanation:

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, and it plays a crucial role in the phase changes of matter. When the temperature of a system decreases, the particles in the system move slower, and their average kinetic energy drops. This can lead to a state change in which a liquid becomes a solid. This is known as freezing, and it is due to the decrease in temperature causing the intermolecular forces to dominate over the kinetic energy of the particles, forcing them into a fixed position typical of a solid state.

Based on the provided choices, the correct answer to the question of what can occur if the temperature decreases in a system is 'D. A liquid becomes a solid.'

User Stephen Vernyi
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