JAMB Chemistry
A solid begins to melt when
a.
Constituent particles acquire a greater kinetic energy
b.
Energy of vibration of particles of the solid is less than the intermolecular forces
c.
Constituent particles acquire energy above the average kinetic energy
d.
Energy of vibration of the particles of the solid equals the intermolecular forces
Correct answer: D
Change of state in a material from solid to liquid and from liquid to gas begins when the energy contained in the particles of the material becomes equal to the inter-molecular forces between the atoms in the material. At this point, the energy becomes high enough to break the bonds and a change of state occurs.