Which of the following statements is false about the changes occurring when ice is heated in an open beaker from −10.0℃ to water vapor at 110.0℃?

• A. The energy of the water molecules increases.
• B. The H₂O molecules have an increased velocity.
• C. The increase in temperature causes the H₂O molecules to split into H₂ and O₂.
• D. The space between H₂O molecules becomes larger.
• E. The volume occupied by the H₂O molecules increases.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the physical changes occurring as ice is heated from -10.0°C to 110.0°C. These include the transition from solid to liquid (melting) and from liquid to gas (evaporation).
2. Understand that during these phase changes, the energy of the water molecules increases. This is because energy is absorbed to overcome intermolecular forces during melting and evaporation.
3. Recognize that as temperature increases, the velocity of the H₂O molecules also increases. This is due to the direct relationship between temperature and kinetic energy.
4. Clarify that the statement 'The increase in temperature causes the H₂O molecules to split into H₂ and O₂' is false. Heating water does not cause it to decompose into hydrogen and oxygen; this requires a chemical reaction, not just a temperature increase.
5. Note that as water transitions from solid to liquid to gas, the space between H₂O molecules becomes larger, and the volume occupied by the molecules increases, especially when transitioning to the gaseous state.