Question

what happens to the atoms in a scoop of ice cream as it melts?
○ they decrease in temperature.
○ they lose energy.
○ they vibrate faster.
○ they are held tightly in a fixed position.

Explanation:

When ice cream melts, it absorbs heat (energy), causing the atoms to gain energy and vibrate faster. Let's analyze each option:

• "They decrease in temperature": Melting involves absorbing heat, so temperature (average kinetic energy) of atoms should increase, not decrease.
• "They lose energy": Melting requires energy input (heat), so atoms gain energy, not lose.
• "They vibrate faster": As ice cream melts (solid to liquid), heat increases atomic kinetic energy, making them vibrate faster.
• "They are held tightly in a fixed position": This describes a solid state; when melting, atoms move more freely (liquid), so they aren't fixed.

Answer:

They vibrate faster.