Question

If you start with a substance as a solid, what will happen to the molecules as you add thermal energy (heat)?

Answer 1

Answer:

C. molecules speed up as more thermal energy is added

Explanation:

The molecules will simply speed up as more thermal energy is added to the solid.

Thermal energy is a form of kinetic energy which is set in motion.

• Heat causes kinetic energy build up in a body.
• As the molecules of the solid gains heat, they will continue to increase in thermal energy.
• They are forced to start vibrating about their fixed point.
• Thereafter, when they have enough energy, they break free from the forces holding them.
• Therefore, they move from a state of rest to one with a very high kinetic energy where the molecules moves rapidly.
• This is why a solid will change to liquid and sometimes eventually gas