select the correct answer. when melted iron solidifies without any change in temperature, what is happening…

select the correct answer. when melted iron solidifies without any change in temperature, what is happening on the atomic level? a. the iron atoms are gaining kinetic energy. b. the iron atoms are losing kinetic energy. c. the iron atoms are gaining potential energy. d. the iron atoms are losing potential energy.

select the correct answer. when melted iron solidifies without any change in temperature, what is happening on the atomic level? a. the iron atoms are gaining kinetic energy. b. the iron atoms are losing kinetic energy. c. the iron atoms are gaining potential energy. d. the iron atoms are losing potential energy.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

When melted iron solidifies without a temperature - change (during the phase - change process), the atoms are moving closer together. Potential energy is related to the distance between atoms. As atoms move closer to form a solid, the potential energy associated with their relative positions decreases. Kinetic energy remains constant during the phase - change at a constant temperature.

Answer:

D. The iron atoms are losing potential energy.