During which change of state do atoms lose energy?

• A. Liquid to gas (evaporation)
• B. Gas to liquid (condensation)
• C. Solid to gas (sublimation)
• D. Solid to liquid (melting)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a change of state involves either absorption or release of energy by atoms or molecules.
2. Recall that when a substance changes from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, atoms or molecules lose energy.
3. Identify the energy levels of the states: gas has higher energy than liquid, which has higher energy than solid.
4. Recognize that condensation is the process where gas changes to liquid, meaning atoms go from a higher energy state (gas) to a lower energy state (liquid), thus losing energy.
5. Contrast this with evaporation, sublimation, and melting, where atoms gain energy to move to a higher energy state.