When energy is removed from the particles of a liquid, which of the following best describes what happens to those particles?

• A. The particles increase in size and the liquid expands.
• B. The particles move faster and the liquid evaporates.
• C. The particles gain energy and become a gas.
• D. The particles move more slowly and may eventually form a solid.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that when energy is removed from the particles of a liquid, their kinetic energy decreases, meaning the particles move more slowly.
2. Recognize that as particles lose energy and slow down, the attractive forces between them become more significant, causing the particles to come closer together.
3. Recall that when particles move more slowly and come closer, the liquid can change phase from liquid to solid, a process called freezing or solidification.
4. Note that particles do not increase in size or cause the liquid to expand when energy is removed; instead, the liquid typically contracts.
5. Conclude that the best description is that the particles move more slowly and may eventually form a solid as energy is removed.