Question

melting can be best described as a process in which molecules
lose kinetic energy and move slowly.
lose kinetic energy and remain stationary.
gain kinetic energy and escape into the atmosphere.
gain enough kinetic energy to get past each other.

Explanation:

To determine the correct description of melting, we analyze each option:

• Melting is a phase change from solid to liquid. In solids, molecules have low kinetic energy and are closely packed. When melting occurs, heat is absorbed, so molecules gain kinetic energy (eliminating options with "lose kinetic energy").
• "Lose kinetic energy and move slowly" and "lose kinetic energy and remain stationary" are incorrect because melting requires energy input, not loss.
• "Gain kinetic energy and escape into the atmosphere" describes evaporation/boiling (liquid to gas), not melting.
• "Gain enough kinetic energy to get past each other" is correct: In melting, increased kinetic energy allows solid molecules (initially vibrating in fixed positions) to overcome intermolecular forces and move past one another, forming a liquid.

Answer:

D. gain enough kinetic energy to get past each other. (Assuming the last option is labeled D; if the original labels differ, adjust the identifier, e.g., if the last option is the 4th, use "4. gain enough kinetic energy to get past each other".)