When the process of condensation occurs, the kinetic energy of particles:

• A. remains unchanged because condensation does not affect energy
• B. fluctuates randomly without any predictable pattern
• C. decreases as particles lose energy and move closer together
• D. increases as particles gain energy and move farther apart

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of condensation: it is the phase change where a substance changes from a gas to a liquid.
2. Recall that during condensation, gas particles lose kinetic energy because they slow down and come closer together to form a liquid.
3. Kinetic energy is related to the motion of particles; when particles lose kinetic energy, their movement decreases.
4. Therefore, during condensation, the kinetic energy of particles decreases as they transition from a more energetic gaseous state to a less energetic liquid state.
5. This explains why the correct answer is that the kinetic energy decreases as particles lose energy and move closer together.