Question

mhiel, janette, and gael are making popsicles at home on a hot summer day. they start discussing the energy levels of water molecules in different states while freezing the water to make popsicles. according to their discussion, in which state do the water molecules have the least energy?
supercooled state
gaseous state (steam)
solid state (ice)
liquid state (water)

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze molecular energy in states

In solids, molecules have fixed positions and vibrate slightly. In liquids, they move more freely. In gases, they have high - energy and move rapidly. Supercooled is a metastable liquid - like state but still has more energy than solid.

Step2: Compare energy levels

Since in the solid state (ice), water molecules are in an ordered, low - energy arrangement compared to liquid (water), gaseous (steam), and supercooled states.

Answer:

Solid state (ice)