What is freezing, and what energy change accompanies it?

Study for the Cambridge Science – States of Matter Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Ready yourself for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is freezing, and what energy change accompanies it?

Explanation:
Freezing is the change from a liquid to a solid. In this process, the particles lose kinetic energy as they slow down and settle into a fixed, orderly arrangement. Because energy is leaving the substance, freezing is exothermic—the energy is released to the surroundings. The other common phase changes involve taking energy in: melting (solid to liquid) and vaporization (liquid to gas). Condensation (gas to liquid) also releases energy, but it does not describe freezing. So the best description is liquid to solid with energy released.

Freezing is the change from a liquid to a solid. In this process, the particles lose kinetic energy as they slow down and settle into a fixed, orderly arrangement. Because energy is leaving the substance, freezing is exothermic—the energy is released to the surroundings. The other common phase changes involve taking energy in: melting (solid to liquid) and vaporization (liquid to gas). Condensation (gas to liquid) also releases energy, but it does not describe freezing. So the best description is liquid to solid with energy released.

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