The average potential energy of water molecules is greatest in

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To approach this question, we need to compare how much energy is stored in the intermolecular interactions of water in each phase.
Option 1: steam at 100C. In steam, water molecules are far apart and interact minimally; thus the potential energy arising from intermolecular forces is very small, while most of the energy is in kinetic form. This makes steam unlikely to have the greatest average potential energy.
Option 2: liquid water at 90C. In liquid water, molecules are close enough to form hydrogen bonds, so there is a moderate amount of potential energy from these interactions. However, this is still less than in the solid phase where a structured network exists.
Option 3: liquid water at 373 K. This is the same state as 100C liquid water; while there are hydrogen bonds, the liquid phase involves more dynamic breaking and reforming of bonds, so the average potential energy is not maximal compared with the solid’s network.
Option 4: ice at 0C. In ice, water molecules form a rigid hydrogen-bonded lattice. The molecules are held in fixed positions, maximizing the potential energy associated with intermolecular interactions relative to the other phases, even though kinetic energy is lower. This lattice structure stores more potential energy in the bonds than in the flexible liquid or far-dispersed gas.
Therefore, the phase with the greatest average potential energy of water molecules among the given options is ice at 0C.

Chemistry (H) - Varnold - Preparatory Academy - 2nd Semester - 2024/2025 2025 States of Matter and Solutions Practice Test

The average potential energy of water molecules is greatest in

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