Question

Referring to the given heating curve representing a substance transitioning from a solid to a liquid, which statement accurately describes the energy of the particles during interval DE?

A) Both potential energy and average kinetic energy increase.
B) Both potential energy and average kinetic energy decrease.
C) Potential energy increases, and average kinetic energy remains the same.
D) Potential energy remains the same, and average kinetic energy increases

Answer 1

During the interval DE on a heating curve, representing solid to liquid transition, potential energy increases while average kinetic energy remains the same; this reflects the phase change where the temperature is constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing the interval DE on a heating curve that is representing the transition of a substance from a solid to a liquid, the correct description of the energy changes to the particles in this phase is that the potential energy of the particles increases, while their average kinetic energy remains constant. This is because during phase changes, such as melting, the temperature (and thus the average kinetic energy) stays constant while the substance absorbs energy to break molecular bonds, thereby increasing potential energy. No temperature increase or decrease in kinetic energy occurs until the phase change is complete.