Question

what happens to the atoms in a liquid as it freezes?
they gain energy.
they begin to move faster
they are held together by attractive forces

Explanation:

When a liquid freezes, it changes to a solid. In a liquid, atoms have more kinetic energy and move more freely. As it freezes (loses heat/energy), the atoms slow down. The attractive forces between atoms (intermolecular forces) become strong enough to hold them in a more ordered, fixed arrangement (like in a solid).

• "They gain energy" is wrong because freezing is an exothermic process (releases energy, so atoms lose energy).
• "They begin to move faster" is wrong because losing energy (freezing) causes atoms to slow down (faster movement is with gaining energy, like in heating).
• "They are held together by attractive forces" is correct as in a solid (formed from freezing liquid), atoms/molecules are held in place by intermolecular attractive forces in a rigid structure.

Answer:

The option "They are held together by attractive forces" (the third option in the list)