Question

which statement accurately describes what happens when water turns to ice in terms of energy?
the water absorbs energy which causes the water molecules to have more kinetic and potential energy, changing their configuration from a liquid to a solid.
the water releases energy which causes chemical bonds to form, changing water into ice.
the water releases energy which causes the water molecules to have less kinetic and potential energy, changing their configuration from liquid to solid.
the water absorbs energy which causes chemical bonds to form, changing water into ice

Explanation:

When water freezes into ice, it is an exothermic process, meaning the water releases energy. As it transitions from liquid to solid, the water molecules slow down (reducing kinetic energy) and arrange into a more ordered structure (reducing potential energy). No new chemical bonds form; it is a physical change, not a chemical one.

Answer:

The water releases energy which causes the water molecules to have less kinetic and potential energy, changing their configuration from liquid to solid.