Question

kinetic and thermal energy quick check
as water becomes warmer, boils and then becomes water vapor (steam), what happens to its kinetic and potential energies? (1 point)
the particles gain both potential and kinetic energy
the particles will gain potential energy as it heats up, but the kinetic energy of the particles will stay the same.
the kinetic and potential energies of the particles will stay the same.
the particles gain kinetic energy as it heats up, but the potential energy of the particles will stay the same.

Explanation:

• Kinetic energy is related to the motion of particles. As water gets warmer (temperature increase), the average speed of water molecules (particles) increases. Since kinetic energy ($KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$, where $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity) is dependent on the speed of particles, the kinetic energy of water particles increases.
• Potential energy is related to the intermolecular forces and the distance between particles. When water boils and turns into vapor, the distance between water molecules increases. The energy required to overcome the intermolecular forces (to separate the molecules more) is stored as potential energy. So, the potential energy of water particles also increases.

Answer:

The particles gain both potential and kinetic energy.