Verified Solution Science Particulate Nature of Matter

At a very low temperature, a substance exists as a solid. As heat is continuously added, it becomes a liquid, then a gas. Describe the change in the kinetic energy of its particles during the entire process.

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Answer

Initially, as a solid, the particles have low kinetic energy (vibrating in fixed positions). As heat is added, their kinetic energy increases (vibrate more vigorously) until melting. During melting, kinetic energy remains constant (latent heat is used for phase change). In the liquid state, kinetic energy increases again as temperature rises. During boiling, kinetic energy remains constant (latent heat of vaporization). In the gaseous state, kinetic energy increases further with temperature, as particles move faster and more randomly.

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