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

• A. Energy is released as a liquid changes to a solid.
• B. Energy is absorbed as a solid changes to a liquid.
• C. Energy is absorbed as a liquid changes to a gas.
• D. Energy is released as a gas changes to a liquid.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the phase change involved: condensation is the process where a gas changes into a liquid.
2. Recall that phase changes involve energy transfer, either absorption or release, depending on the direction of the change.
3. Recognize that when a substance condenses (gas to liquid), it releases energy to the surroundings because the molecules lose kinetic energy as they come closer together.
4. Contrast this with vaporization (liquid to gas), where energy is absorbed to overcome intermolecular forces and allow molecules to separate.
5. Therefore, the correct description is that energy is released during condensation, as a gas changes to a liquid.