In which changes of state do atoms lose energy? sublimation freezing boiling melting deposition condensation
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Atoms lose energy during freezing, condensation, and deposition.
Explanation:
In changes of state, energy (in the form of heat) is either absorbed or released depending on whether the transition moves toward a higher or lower energy phase. Atoms and molecules in substances are held together by intermolecular forces, and the amount of energy they have determines how they interact.
- Freezing: During freezing, a substance changes from a liquid to a solid. Atoms or molecules lose kinetic energy, causing them to slow down and bond more tightly in a structured form, resulting in a solid. The energy is released into the environment, which is why heat is often removed to freeze substances. For example, when water freezes into ice, energy is lost, allowing the water molecules to form a rigid structure.
- Condensation: In condensation, a gas transforms into a liquid. This occurs when gas molecules lose energy, leading to a decrease in their speed and allowing them to form stronger intermolecular bonds. The energy lost during this process is released to the surroundings. A common example is water vapor in the air condensing into liquid droplets on a cold surface.
- Deposition: Deposition is the direct change from a gas to a solid without passing through the liquid phase, as in the formation of frost from water vapor. In this process, gas molecules lose energy rapidly and move directly into the solid state. The energy lost is transferred to the environment, enabling the molecules to form a solid crystalline structure.
In contrast, processes like sublimation, boiling, and melting involve atoms gaining energy. For instance, during sublimation (solid to gas) and boiling (liquid to gas), energy is absorbed, allowing particles to overcome intermolecular forces and enter a higher-energy state.