Question

what is the main reason that solid ice melts? choose the correct answer. * ice is exposed to cooler temperatures. the air around the ice becomes more humid. ice absorbs heat energy from its surroundings. ice releases heat energy to its surroundings.

Explanation:

To determine the main reason ice melts, we analyze each option:

• "Ice is exposed to cooler temperatures" is incorrect because cooler temperatures would not cause melting (cooler temps might lead to freezing or slower melting, not melting itself).
• "The air around the ice becomes more humid" is incorrect because humidity (moisture in air) does not directly cause ice to melt; melting is related to heat transfer, not humidity.
• "Ice absorbs heat energy from its surroundings" is correct. Melting is a phase change from solid to liquid, which requires energy (heat). Ice, being at a lower temperature than its surroundings (usually), absorbs heat from the surroundings. This heat energy increases the kinetic energy of ice molecules, breaking the intermolecular bonds holding them in a solid structure, leading to melting.
• "Ice releases heat energy to its surroundings" is incorrect because releasing heat would lead to freezing (liquid to solid), not melting (solid to liquid).

Answer:

C. Ice absorbs heat energy from its surroundings. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D with the third option being C. If the original labeling is different, adjust the identifier but keep the text "Ice absorbs heat energy from its surroundings.")