The phase changes water and other substances undergo are based on
A) gravitational energy stored within the electron orbitals of atoms.
B) the amount of motion of molecules and the strength of the bonds between them.
C) nuclear fusion processes between atoms of a substance.
D) nuclear fission processes between atoms of a substance.
E) diabatic forces acting on the molecules.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phase changes of water and other substances are primarily based on the amount of motion of molecules and the strength of the bonds between them. When molecules gain enough energy (usually from heat), they can break their bonds and transition to a higher energy state, resulting in a change of phase. Conversely, when molecules lose energy, they lose their ability to overcome the forces holding them together, causing them to transition to a lower energy state and changing phase. Gravitational energy, nuclear fusion/fission, and diabatic forces may have some role in the behavior of molecules, but they are not the primary factors responsible for phase changes.

The Phase Changes Water and Other Substances Undergo Are Based