During a casting process in a foundry, a sample of pure molten copper is cooled to its freezing point and begins to solidify at a constant temperature.
Which row in the table correctly describes the changes, if any, to the average kinetic energy of the copper atoms, the potential energy of the copper atoms, and the total internal energy of the copper sample as it solidifies?
| Average kinetic energy of atoms | Potential energy of atoms | Total internal energy of sample | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Decreases | Remains constant | Decreases |
| B | Remains constant | Decreases | Decreases |
| C | Remains constant | Remains constant | Remains constant |
| D | Decreases | Decreases | Decreases |
Row A
Row B
Row C
Row D
