Question

the gallium in the image is melting in the persons hand. which changes will occur on a microscopic level? (1 point) the gallium atoms will gain kinetic energy. the gallium atoms will be moving faster on average. the gallium atoms will gain potential energy, moving freely from each other. the gallium atoms will increase in temperature.

Explanation:

When gallium melts, it changes from solid to liquid. In a solid, atoms have lower potential energy and are in a more ordered state. As it melts (a phase change), the atoms gain potential energy. Kinetic energy is related to temperature (average kinetic energy of atoms). During a phase change (melting at its melting point), temperature remains constant (so no increase in average kinetic energy/temperature). The movement of atoms in terms of speed (kinetic energy - related to temperature) doesn't change during the phase - change process itself. But the potential energy changes as the atoms move from a more ordered (solid) to a less - ordered (liquid) state where they can move more freely relative to each other.

Answer:

The gallium atoms will gain potential energy, moving freely from each other.