Which of the following summarizes a change that takes place as a solid turns to a liquid?
A. Particles have a decrease in mobility.
B. Particles become less ordered.
C. Particles move closer together.
D. Intermolecular forces between particles become stronger.
A change that takes place as a solid turns to a liquid is that particles become less ordered ¹. When a solid is heated, its particles gain energy and begin to vibrate more rapidly ². As the temperature increases, the particles gain enough energy to overcome the forces holding them in place and begin to move more freely
². This results in a loss of order as the solid melts and becomes a liquid.
The other options are not correct because they do not accurately describe a change that takes place as a solid turns to a liquid. Particles do not have a decrease in mobility, move closer together, or experience stronger intermolecular forces between them as a solid turns to a liquid.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is B.