Question

when ice sits out on a counter and melts, it is because the ice has... lost energy lost mass gained energy gained mass

Explanation:

Melting is a phase - change process. Ice melts when it absorbs heat (energy) from the surrounding environment (countertop and air). This energy increases the kinetic energy of the water molecules in the ice, causing them to break free from the rigid ice - lattice structure and become liquid water. Mass is conserved in this physical change, so there is no gain or loss of mass.

Answer:

C. gained energy