An increase in thermal energy leads to ___

1. An increase in heat and an increase in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.
2. An increase in heat and a decrease in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.
3. A decrease in heat and a decrease in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.
4. A decrease in heat and increase in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.

2. An increase in heat and a decrease in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.

1. An increase in heat and an increase in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.

An increase in thermal energy leads to an increase in heat and an increase in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.

Explanation: Thermal energy refers to the total energy of a system due to the motion of its particles. When thermal energy increases, it means that there is an increase in the kinetic energy of the particles, which indicates that they are moving more rapidly. This increase in motion leads to an increase in the heat energy of the system.

As the thermal energy continues to increase, it can reach a point where it causes a phase change. A phase change occurs when matter transitions from one state (solid, liquid, or gas) to another. During a phase change, the temperature remains constant even though heat is being added to or removed from the substance. This happens because the added heat is being used to break or form intermolecular bonds instead of increasing the kinetic energy of the particles.

So, in summary, an increase in thermal energy leads to an increase in heat and an increase in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.