Which statement best describes how energy is involved in the melting of a solid?

• A. Energy is released by the solid, causing its particles to move closer together and form a liquid.
• B. No energy change occurs during melting; the process is purely physical.
• C. Energy is absorbed by the solid, allowing its particles to overcome intermolecular forces and change to the liquid state.
• D. Energy is absorbed by the solid, causing its temperature to decrease as it melts.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that melting is a phase change from solid to liquid, which involves changes in the arrangement and movement of particles.
2. Recall that during melting, energy must be supplied to the solid to overcome the intermolecular forces holding the particles in a fixed position.
3. Recognize that this energy absorbed by the solid is called the heat of fusion, and it does not increase the temperature but allows the particles to move more freely.
4. Note that energy is absorbed (endothermic process), not released, so the particles move apart rather than closer together.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that energy is absorbed by the solid, allowing its particles to overcome intermolecular forces and change to the liquid state.