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JAMB Chemistry 1998 Question 8

Question 8

Kinetic Theory and States of Matter

A solid begins to melt when

  1. A.constituent particles acquire a greater kinetic energy
  2. B.energy of vibration of particles of the solid is less than the intermolecular forces
  3. C.constituent particles acquire energy above the average kinetic energy
  4. D.energy of vibration of particles of the solid equals the intermolecular forces.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (energy of vibration of particles of the solid equals the intermolecular forces.)

Explanation

As a solid is heated, its particles vibrate more and more. Melting begins when this vibrational energy is equal to the forces holding the particles in their fixed positions, so they can start to move past one another.