Question 26

Liquid benzene releases energy into the surroundings.

When benzene solidifies, it transitions from a liquid to a solid state, which involves the release of energy into the surroundings, specifically in the form of heat. This process is known as freezing or solidification.

A) Liquid benzene releases energy into the surroundings.

This option is correct because during the solidification of benzene, the molecules lose kinetic energy as they form a structured solid lattice. This energy is released to the surroundings, causing a decrease in temperature in the immediate environment.

B) Solid benzene absorbs energy from liquid benzene.

This option is incorrect as it suggests that solid benzene takes in energy from the liquid phase. In reality, solidification involves the release of energy rather than absorption, contradicting the principles of phase transitions.

C) Solid benzene releases energy into liquid benzene.

This option is also incorrect. While solid benzene does release energy during the solidification process, it does not direct this energy into liquid benzene. Instead, the energy is released into the surrounding environment, not into another phase of the same substance.

D) Liquid benzene absorbs energy from the surroundings.

This option is incorrect as it misrepresents the process of solidification. During this phase transition, liquid benzene actually releases energy instead of absorbing it, which is the opposite of what is stated here.

Conclusion

The correct answer is A because it accurately describes the energy dynamics during the solidification of benzene. All other options fail as they either misinterpret the energy transfer process involved in solidification or inaccurately describe the interactions between the solid and liquid phases of benzene. Understanding these energy exchanges is crucial in grasping the principles of thermodynamics related to phase changes.