Final answer:
The increase in potential energy of sample particles occurs through endothermic processes, where energy is absorbed, allowing molecules to overcome attractive forces, such as during melting or vaporizing, or when particles gain enough activation energy to undergo a chemical reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that increases the potential energy of the particles of a sample is typically associated with endothermic processes, where energy is absorbed into the system. When temperature is increased, it enhances the average kinetic energy of particles; they vibrate more quickly and the object's temperature rises. However, it's important to differentiate that this amplification of motion contributes to the kinetic energy rather than potential energy.
For potential energy to increase, energy must be added to overcome intermolecular forces, such as when ice melts to water or water vaporizes to steam. In these cases, the energy added does not simply speed up molecular movement, but instead allows molecules to overcome attractive forces, thus increasing potential energy.
Another example is during a chemical reaction, where increasing temperature provides more particles with the activation energy required for reaction. While this involves kinetic energy changes, the overcoming of the activation energy barrier also relates to changes in potential energy within the chemical bonds of the reactants.
Thus, any action that involves energy absorption at the atomic or molecular level, such as heating to melt or vaporize, will increase the potential energy of the particles.