An ice cube tray full of water is put into a freezer. Which energy change occurs in the particles in the water as it undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a solid?
1. The potential energy increases due to the tighter arrangement of the particles.
2. The potential energy increases due to the looser arrangement of the particles.
3. The potential energy decreases due to the tighter arrangement of the particles.
4. The potential energy decreases due to the looser arrangement of the particles.
Potential energy is the energy held by an object as a result of its position in relation to other objects, internal stresses, electric charge, or other factors.
Because any object lifted from its resting position has stored energy, it is referred to as potential energy because it has the potential to do work when released.
Thus option 3. The potential energy decreases due to the tighter arrangement of the particles. is correct