Which process describes a solid absorbing energy to become a liquid?

• A. Melting
• B. Freezing
• C. Deposition
• D. Condensation

Answer: (A)

Melting is the phase change where a solid absorbs energy and becomes a liquid. When heat is added, the energy goes into breaking the orderly forces holding the solid together, allowing the particles to move more freely and form a liquid. The temperature stays at the melting point until the solid has fully melted, which is an endothermic process.

In contrast, freezing is the reverse: a liquid loses energy to become a solid. Deposition is gas turning directly into a solid, releasing energy. Condensation is gas turning into a liquid, also releasing energy. So the scenario described—solid absorbing energy to become a liquid—matches melting perfectly.