Which statement best describes how energy is involved in the process of freezing?

• A. Energy is converted into mass during freezing.
• B. Energy is released from the substance as it changes from liquid to solid.
• C. Energy is absorbed by the substance as it changes from liquid to solid.
• D. No energy change occurs during freezing.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the phase change involved: freezing is the process where a substance changes from a liquid to a solid.
2. Recall that during freezing, the particles in the liquid lose energy, which allows them to arrange into a more ordered solid structure.
3. Recognize that energy must be released to the surroundings for the substance to transition from liquid to solid; this energy release is called the latent heat of fusion.
4. Note that energy is not absorbed during freezing; instead, it is given off, which is why freezing is an exothermic process.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that energy is released from the substance as it changes from liquid to solid.