What happens when thermal energy is applied to an ice cube

It's water molecules lose kinetic energy so the ice cube melts
It's water molecules lose potential energy
It's water moleculesgain kinetic energy and move around more
It's water molecules gain potential energy
I think that's It's c am I right

Yes, you are correct. When thermal energy is applied to an ice cube, its water molecules gain kinetic energy and move around more.

The correct answer is: "Its water molecules gain kinetic energy and move around more."

When thermal energy is applied to an ice cube, the ice cube absorbs heat from its surroundings. This heat energy increases the kinetic energy of the water molecules within the ice cube. The water molecules start to vibrate more rapidly and break their fixed arrangement. As a result, the ice cube melts and turns into liquid water.

To determine the correct answer, it is helpful to understand the concept of thermal energy and its effect on molecular motion. When thermal energy is added to a substance, such as an ice cube, it increases the internal energy of the molecules within that substance. This increase in energy causes the molecules to move more rapidly and freely.

In the context of the ice cube, the thermal energy is absorbed by the water molecules, causing them to gain kinetic energy. As a result, the water molecules move around more, eventually breaking the rigid structure of the ice and melting it into liquid water.

Potential energy refers to the energy that an object possesses due to its position or configuration. In the case of an ice cube being exposed to thermal energy, the potential energy of the water molecules remains relatively constant, as it is primarily affected by factors other than temperature, such as height or chemical bonds.

Therefore, the correct choice is: "Its water molecules gain kinetic energy and move around more."

When thermal energy is applied to an ice cube, its water molecules gain kinetic energy and move around more. As the ice cube absorbs heat energy, its temperature gradually increases. The increased kinetic energy breaks the intermolecular forces holding the water molecules in a rigid structure, causing the ice to melt and turn into liquid water. During this process, the water molecules do not lose or gain potential energy. Therefore, option (c) is correct.