Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 37%

In which phase change is energy being absorbed from the surroundings?

Rationale

Polar ice caps producing meltwater involves energy being absorbed from the surroundings.

During the melting process, ice absorbs heat energy from the surrounding environment, causing the solid ice to transition into liquid water. This absorption of energy is essential for overcoming the molecular bonds that hold the ice structure together.

A (Fog forming on the bathroom mirror when you take a shower) YOUR ANSWER

Fog formation occurs when water vapor condenses into tiny droplets on a cooler surface. This process is exothermic, as energy is released into the environment when the water vapor transitions from a gas to a liquid state, rather than absorbing energy.

B (Molten metal solidifying in a pattern mold) YOUR ANSWER

When molten metal solidifies, it releases energy into the surroundings as it transitions from a liquid to a solid state. This process, known as freezing, is exothermic, meaning energy is released rather than absorbed.

C (Frost forming on a car windshield overnight) YOUR ANSWER

The formation of frost involves water vapor in the air condensing directly onto a cold surface and transitioning into solid ice. This process also releases energy, indicating an exothermic change as the water vapor loses energy to form frost.

D (Polar ice caps producing meltwater) CORRECT

In this scenario, the ice absorbs energy from the environment, allowing it to melt into water. This endothermic process requires heat input to break the hydrogen bonds in the ice, thus transforming it into liquid water.

Conclusion

Phase changes involve either the absorption or release of energy. In the case of polar ice caps producing meltwater, energy absorption is necessary for the melting process, allowing solid ice to convert into liquid water. In contrast, the other options describe processes that involve energy release, highlighting the distinct nature of energy interactions during different phase changes.

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