A solid piece of tungsten melts into liquid without a change in temperature. Which of the following is correct for the molecules in the liquid phase compared with the molecules in the solid phase?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Kinetic energy	Potential energy
A.	same	greater
B.	same	same
C.	greater	greater
D.	greater	same

anonymous · Answer

I think that the answer is D, but I'm not sure.

anonymous · Answer

It is A

anonymous · Answer

Could you explain why?

anonymous · Answer

Wouldn't the kinetic energy increase because the molecules are moving faster?

anonymous · Answer

Since Temperature is a measure of "Average Kinetic Energy", any change in temperature is a change in Kinetic Energy. The temperature stays the same as stated so there is no increase in average kinetic energy. However as it is heated, the energy transferred to the tungsten is stored as potential energy. This may help you visualize http://www.kentchemistry.com/links/Matter/flash/HeatingCurve.swf

anonymous · Answer

Okay, I think i get it now.