A block of ice at 0 ∘C0\ ^\circ\text{C}0 ∘C is heated until it melts to form liquid water at 0 ∘C0\ ^\circ\text{C}0 ∘C.
Which of the following describes the primary change in the energy of the molecules during this melting process?
The average kinetic energy of the molecules increases.
The potential energy of the molecules increases.
The average kinetic energy of the molecules decreases.
The potential energy of the molecules decreases.
528 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature, covering 2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases, 2.2.2a Internal energy and temperature, 2.2.2b Specific heat capacity, 2.2.3a Melting, boiling, condensation and solidification, 2.2.3b Evaporation, and 2.2.3c Cooling by evaporation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.