Which of the following processes increases the potential energy of the particles in a sample?

• A. Freezing a liquid to form a solid
• B. Cooling a liquid
• C. Condensing a gas to form a liquid
• D. Melting a solid to form a liquid

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that potential energy in particles is related to the energy stored due to their positions and interactions, especially in phase changes.
2. Recall that during phase changes, energy is either absorbed or released without changing temperature, affecting potential energy.
3. Identify that melting (solid to liquid) requires energy input to overcome intermolecular forces, increasing the potential energy of particles.
4. Contrast this with freezing, cooling, and condensing, which release energy and decrease potential energy as particles move closer or slow down.
5. Conclude that the process increasing potential energy is melting a solid to form a liquid because it involves absorbing energy to break some intermolecular bonds.