What happens to the atoms in a scoop of ice cream as it melts?

A. They decrease in temperature.

B. They lose energy.

C. They vibrate faster.

D. They are held tightly in a fixed position.

The correct answer is

C. They vibrate faster.

In fact, atoms and molecules inside a solid are bound together, so they cannot move freely, but they can only vibrate around their equilibrium position. As the ice cream melts, the temperature of the ice cream increases and the atoms vibrate faster and faster. (eventually, they break their bounds and they are free to move, since the ice cream becomes liquid).

The answer is C. they vibrate faster